The largest known human sacrifice of children in the history of Peru, is believed to have been discovered by archaeologists according to their findings. The excavation brought to light the remains of about 250 children, who were sacrificed to deities of the Tsimos culture.
The children are believed to have been sacrificed about 500 years ago, between the 13th and 15th centuries, according to the Peruvian state news agency Andina. The remains of children, aged 4 to 12, were found along with those of 40 warriors near the coastal city of Huanchaco, south of the capital Lima.
Archaeologists say some of the remains still had hair and skin on them when they were discovered. The children appear to have been killed during a rainy season and buried on the way to the sea, which means that they may have been sacrificed as an appeal to the Tsimos gods. According to the first conclusions of the archaeologists, the children were sacrificed in an attempt to end the natural disasters associated with the El Nino phenomenon.
The Tsimos civilization had colonized southern Peru before being conquered by the Incas, and they built Chan Chan, the largest city in pre-Columbian South America. The Tsimos were one of the most powerful cultures in the region and worshiped the moon god Shi, as unlike the Incas, they believed it was much more powerful than the sun.
Excavations at the site continue with archaeologists speculating that other children's graves will come to the surface in the coming days. "It's out of control, this with the kids. "Wherever you dig, you find more," commented archaeologist Feren Castillo.
This is the third discovery of its kind in Pampa La Cruz, an archeological site in Huanchaco-La Libertad, a tourist destination on the south coast of Lima. Last year, two mass graves containing the bones of about 200 victims came to light, while between 1200 and 1450, four mass human sacrifices were made, three with children and the last with animals.
Excavations are continuing at the site and archaeologists estimate that more bodies may be discovered.
