Then somebody discovered absolute proof of Anasazi cannibalism. Human DNA in a fossilized human turd.
If I remember my biology correctly, from 3 decades ago, about half of human feces is cast off intestinal villus cells.
Of course there's human DNA in human turds.
Sorry, I was not entirely accurate.
Should have said analysis found digested human muscle tissue (not DNA) in a dried (not fossilized) human turd.
http://www.unl.edu/rhames/courses/current/readings/Cannibals.pdf
Very interesting article, BTW. I have always wondered whether the collapse of Anasazi society, apparently related to internal power struggles, might have been caused by unpleasant ideas making their way up from MesoAmerica.
If the neighbors converted to a religion requiring human sacrifice and cannibalism, I’d move into a cliff dwelling myself!