Cupisnique culture

Archaeologists on Peru’s northern coast have discovered the 3,000-year-old remains of 14 people, believed to be victims of a ritual human sacrifice by the ancient Cupisnique culture. The find offers new insights into a civilization that existed more than a millennium before the Incas.

Key Details of the Discovery

• Location: The remains were unearthed near a beach in the La Libertad region, approximately 675 kilometers north of Lima.
• Cupisnique Culture: This civilization thrived in the region before the Incas. The skeletal remains were found near what is believed to be a ritual temple of this culture.
• Burial and Condition: The victims were placed in simple pits within sand mounds, with no accompanying offerings or treasures. Some of the bodies were found buried face down with their hands tied behind their backs, which archaeologists describe as a typical form of human sacrifice.
• Historical Significance: This discovery provides a stark glimpse into the ancient ritual practices of a pre-Incan civilization, shedding light on the darker aspects of their culture.