Archaeologists have uncovered what appears to be an ancient human sacrifice site on the northern coast of Peru, shedding light on burial rituals that date back over 2,000 years.
The discovery includes more than a dozen human skeletons found face down with their hands tied behind their backs -- evidence pointing to ritual violence in this once-sacred region.
The remains, dated to around 400 B.C., were excavated at the Puémape archaeological site in the San Pedro Lloc district. Researchers say the victims likely met violent deaths, as their skeletons show signs of blunt-force trauma, broken bones, and unnatural burial positions.
The arrangement of the bodies -- prone with bound limbs -- is unique in Andean history and is seen as a strong indication of ritual execution.
Henry Tantaleán, an archaeologist from the National University of San Marcos, who leads the university's Research Group in Archaeology of Andean Science and Technologies, explained that the positioning of the bodies suggests a deliberate ceremonial act.
He said these individuals were most likely sacrificed at a ceremonial site, although their exact identities remain unknown. He also noted the possibility that they came from either the immediate area or a neighboring valley.
The findings expand on earlier knowledge of Puémape, which has long been considered an important ceremonial center. Excavations in the 1990s linked the area to the ancient Cupisnique culture.
Now, researchers using modern tools such as satellite imagery have confirmed that human activity at the site began as early as 2200 B.C., with the main temple in use by around 1000 B.C.
Recent digs have uncovered the full front of the ancient temple, including a broad staircase and large stone block walls. A sizable cemented area surrounding the temple further suggests that the site functioned as a major center for ritual gatherings, possibly attracting people from nearby regions for pilgrimages and ceremonial burials.
Scientists have also collected plant and animal remains from the site to better understand the diet and natural environment of the people who once lived there. These findings are expected to provide more context on the culture and daily life surrounding what is now believed to be one of the oldest known ritual centers on Peru's northern coast.
With its combination of ceremonial architecture, early human activity, and clear signs of ritual sacrifice, the site in Puémape offers a rare and detailed look into an ancient human sacrifice site in Peru.