In a groundbreaking archaeological find along Peru’s northern coast, a research team has uncovered the 3,000-year-old skeletal remains of 14 individuals believed to have been victims of ritual human sacrifice. The discovery, made in the La Libertad region approximately 675 kilometers north of Lima, offers a haunting glimpse into the practices of the Cupisnique culture, a civilization that flourished over a millennium before the rise of the Incas.

Led by archaeologist Henri Tantalean, the excavation revealed the remains near what is thought to be a ritual temple of the Cupisnique culture. The positioning of the bodies—some buried face down with their hands bound behind their backs—suggests a deliberate and violent sacrificial ritual. “The way in which these individuals were buried is atypical, as are the traumas and injuries they suffered during life and the violence they endured,” Tantalean noted, emphasizing that the burial method is characteristic of human sacrifice.

Unlike the elaborate burials often associated with ancient Peruvian sites, such as Machu Picchu or the Nazca Lines, these victims were interred in simple pits within sand mounds, without offerings or treasures. This stark simplicity underscores the ritualistic nature of their deaths, distinguishing the find from other ceremonial burials in the region.

Also Read: Tragedy in Sharjah: Indian Woman Dies in Apartment Fire

The discovery adds to Peru’s rich tapestry of archaeological heritage, providing new insights into the religious and cultural practices of the Cupisnique civilization. As researchers continue to study the site, the findings promise to deepen our understanding of the complex and often brutal traditions that shaped ancient Peru.

Also Read: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey Sues Jharkhand Officials Over FIR