Strange 2,300-year-old burial of dozen humans with hands tied behind back unearthed in Peru
Scientists may have found evidence of an ancient human sacrifice
- Archaeologists in Peru have unearthed the remains of over a dozen humans, dated to around 400BC, buried with their hands tied behind their backs.
- The discovery in Puémape, Peru's northern coastal region, suggests an ancient ritual sacrifice or burial, possibly following an armed conflict.
- The buried individuals showed signs of violence, including blows and fractures, and were placed in an unusual face-down position, which is rare in Andean prehistory.
- Researchers believe these individuals were likely sacrifices offered to an ancient place of worship, making Puémape potentially one of the oldest known ritual centres on Peru's northern coast.
- Recent excavations at the site have revealed the front of an ancient temple, an access staircase, and stone walls, with human activity at the site confirmed as early as 2200 BC.