Peruvian archaeologists have discovered a mass grave intended for sacrifice in the “City of Mud” Cajamarquilla, located on the outskirts of Lima.
According to the excavation team leader Pieter Van Dalen, the remains of 6 children (wrapped in bundles of fabric) were unearthed near the tomb of a nobleman from that era, who may have been a significant social or political figure, referred to as the “Lord of Cajamarquilla.”
“The children may be closely related and were placed at different parts of the entrance to the tomb. Our hypothesis is that they were sacrificed to accompany the mummy on its journey to the afterlife,” Van Dalen told AFP in an interview on February 13.
Analysis shows that the skeletons date back approximately 1,000 to 1,200 years.
In addition to the children’s remains, the excavation team also found 7 adult skeletons, but without any wrappings. Remains of camelids, such as llamas, were also discovered at the site.
The nobleman’s mummy was found last November in a burial chamber measuring 3 meters long and 1.4 meters deep. He was only about 20 years old at the time of his death.
Cajamarquilla, located 24 kilometers east of the capital Lima, is one of the largest archaeological complexes in Peru. It once served as an urban center with various functions, including administrative, domestic, and residential areas.
“The City of Mud” spans approximately 167 hectares and was established around 200 BC, housing between 10,000 and 20,000 people.
