October 29, 2015

Inca Mountain Sanctuary Used for Child Sacrifice Uncovered

An Inca mountain sanctuary used to sacrifice children to the gods has been discovered in the Vilcamba mountains near Cusco. They also found a cave system used as a necropolis to bury the sacrificed. The site dates to 1471-1493 CE. At this time in Inca history, children were sacrificed in times of drought and natural disaster, in hopes the gods would bring relief. Children were also sacrificed upon the death of a king. The ceremony was called Capacocha. Unblemished children were selected, married, returned to their local communities, before being sacrificed to the Llullaillaco Volcano. The team has found 50 structures. The site was found using satellite imagery and local stories. Rectangular buildings called kanchas, surrounded by other buildings have been found there. The site may be part of the legendary Kingdom of Vilcabamba, the last Inca nation.

The Daily Mail has the story with their usual excellent photos of the find. They are the best in the business for archaeology news photos;
http://dailym.ai/1RbCSHH

Mike Ruggeri’s Ancient Andean News on Tumblr
http://mikeruggerisancientandeannews.tumblr.com

Mike Ruggeri’s Ancient Andean News Magazine
http://bit.ly/1KJvVt1