SICAN CULTURE: Peruvian mass grave unearthed where 60 people were sacrificed 1,100 years ago

18th December 2011

A tomb containing the 'perfectly intact' remains of 60 people - who were slaughtered in sacrificial offerings more than 1,100 years ago - has been discovered in Peru.
Archaeologists found the mass grave, in an eight metre deep and 150 metre wide pit, in Lambayeque on the country's northern coast.
They also unearthed the remains of dogs and horses at the site, which is next to a key Sican ceremonial centre, in the historical Pomac Woods, 500 miles north of Lima.

Discovery: Archaeologists found the remains of 60 people in a mass grave in northern Peru

Carlos Elera and Jose Pinilla, who have been excavating the area since January, said the remains included headless skeletons and 30 skulls.
They were, more likely than not, offered in sacrifice to the gods of the Sican culture.

 

El Comercio newspaper reported that dishes and ceramics were also found. In a feature on the find, it said: 'What most impressed the scouts is that in some cases gives the impression that the sacrificed were violently thrown from above.'

In January, archaeologists found the tomb of a 'high ruler' of the religion, which emerged around 700AD and continued until 1375, in the same area.

Sacrifice: Carlos Elera and Jose Pinilla have been excavating the area since January and said the remains included headless skeletons and 30 skulls