Chapter 1: Discovery of Mummified Remains

Peruvian archaeologists have unearthed a striking find at a significant pre-Columbian city. Their excavations revealed the mummified remains of eight children, one teenager, and twelve adults, all dating back between 800 to 1,200 years. Experts believe these individuals were part of ritual sacrifices.

Several advanced civilizations flourished in present-day Peru long before the Inca Empire. These ancient cultures are essential to understanding South America’s diverse heritage; however, archaeological evidence from indigenous peoples of the past is sparse, leaving many questions unanswered.

Mummies as Valuable Historical Sources

The investigation of ancient societies heavily relies on remnants of architecture and artifacts. Nevertheless, mummies serve as exceptionally rich resources, preserving soft tissues, organ fragments, and even hair and nails. The analysis of these remains, combined with historical and archaeological data, often illuminates past events.

Peruvian cultures were notorious for their harsh rituals, where both children and adults were sacrificed. Bodies were typically placed in the tombs of high-status individuals. In the last two years, researchers have discovered numerous mummified remains from various civilizations, including the Wari and Chimú.

During the latest excavation at the Cajamarquilla site near Lima, archaeologists uncovered additional mummies, comprising eight children and twelve adults. Notably, one mummy, carefully wrapped, contained skin and hair fragments along with several ceramic items, identified as that of a teenage boy.

The Significance of the Discovery

The wrapped teenage mummy was found in an underground tomb, and researchers noted its remarkable preservation. The boy likely lived around 1,100 to 1,200 years ago, and intriguingly, his remains were located just 200 meters from where a wealthy man's mummy was discovered last year, which contained the skeletons of a dozen sacrificed children.

“The Andean cultures exhibited distinct burial customs. Their understanding of existence was vastly different from ours, with death holding profound significance. They believed in an afterlife, and perhaps the sacrificed children were intended to accompany the deceased on their journey,” explained Pieter Van Dalen Luna, an archaeologist from St. Mark’s University.

Researchers speculate that the numerous remains found might be part of a similar offering, possibly honoring the teenage boy. Further excavations are planned as scientists aim to uncover more about his identity.

Cajamarquilla: A Pre-Columbian Trade Hub

Cajamarquilla, situated within Lima's San Juan de Lurigancho district, was among the largest cities during pre-Columbian times. Spanning approximately 167 hectares, it features the ruins of four pyramids alongside temples and other structures crafted from adobe.

Experts involved in the excavation emphasize that Cajamarquilla was predominantly inhabited by individuals from the coast and Patagonian Highlands, located just 25 kilometers from the coast. Historically, the city was a thriving trade center, boasting a population of around 15,000 during its peak.

The first video illustrates the chilling discovery of ancient child sacrifices in Peru, showcasing the archaeological site and findings.

The second video delves into the excavation of the mass child sacrifice site, providing insights into the rituals and historical context of the discoveries.

Conclusion

The recent findings at Cajamarquilla not only enhance our understanding of ancient Peruvian cultures but also raise questions about their beliefs and rituals. As excavations continue, archaeologists hope to unravel further mysteries of these long-gone civilizations.