1,400-year-old remains discovered in Peru excavations
Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Archaeologists in Lima, Peru, discovered human remains potentially dating back 1,400 years.
- The remains were found at the Huaca Pucllana ruins, a site belonging to the Lima culture, dating between 450 and 650 AD.
- The discovery may offer new insights into the ritual practices of the Lima culture, possibly related to the ceremonial closure of a water channel.
Archaeologists in Peru's capital, Lima, have unearthed human remains believed to be approximately 1,400 years old, potentially offering new insights into ancient ritual practices. The discovery was made at the Huaca Pucllana ruins, a significant archaeological site associated with the Lima culture, which flourished between 450 and 650 AD.
The remains, identified as those of a likely adult male, were found within the context of a possible human sacrifice. Authorities suggest the offering might have been part of the ritualistic closure of an underground water channel connected to a ceremonial well. Alongside the skeletal remains, archaeologists also recovered a ceramic snake head, further indicating the ritualistic nature of the find.
The orientation of the skeleton, lying along the canal in a north-south direction with the skull facing west towards the pyramid and the sea, is interpreted by the Ministry of Culture as evidence of "deliberate arrangement in connection with the ritual inauguration" of the Huaca Pucllana pyramid. This meticulous placement provides valuable data for understanding the ceremonial activities at the site.
The Huaca Pucllana site, located in the Miraflores district, is renowned for its impressive step pyramid constructed from millions of handmade adobe bricks. This latest discovery is expected to contribute significantly to the ongoing study of the Lima culture's complex belief systems and ceremonial traditions.
on a deliberate arrangement in connection with the ritual inauguration
Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.