A group of archaeologists in northern Peru have unearthed the remains of 29 people, including three children, that could help experts rewrite the history of the Huari pre-Inca civilization.
The skeletons were buried over 1000 years ago in Huaca Santa Rosa de Pucala, an ancient ceremonial center in the coastal region of Lambaeque, 750 km north of Lima.
According to lead researcher Edgar Bracamonte, the burials of three children and a teenager in front of the temple indicate that these were human sacrifices from the Huari culture.
“This is the first time a discovery related to the Huari civilization has been made so far from their zone of influence,” Bracamonte said.
“These discoveries allow us to reimagine the history of the Lambayeque region, especially the links to the activities in the Vari and Mochica area,” Bracamonte told Archeology.
The Huari culture flourished in the central Peruvian Andes from the seventh to the thirteenth century.
The “D” shaped Huaca Santa Rosa de Pucala fencing was built between 800 and 900 AD.
“We found a ceremonial temple with 29 human remains, 25 of which are from the Mojica era and four from the Huari culture,” Bracamonte said.
The Moche or Moche culture developed from AD 100 to AD 700 on the northern Peruvian coast.
25 remains of moche were found in clay tombs and burial chambers of the temple. The researchers also found pottery and remains of llamas and alpacas and guinea pigs.
One of the most significant discoveries related to the Mochika culture was made in 2006, when the mummy of Mistress Cao from the 5th century was discovered, which showed that civilization included female leaders. The discovery in 1987 of another mummy, a third-century ruler of Sipan, is considered by experts to be one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in the past few decades, as the main tomb was found untouched by thieves.
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