Archaeologists have uncovered a mass child sacrifice site near Trujillo, Peru, believed to date back to the Chimu civilization, which thrived from the 8th to the 15th century. The excavation revealed the remains of several children, each buried separately, alongside the remains of two adults and two llamas. Archaeologist Julio Asencio noted that many of the children's bones showed signs of cuts on their sternum and ribs, indicating they may have been sacrificed.
This finding is significant as it suggests that the Chimu people engaged in child sacrifice to appease their gods following severe rains and floods. This practice reflects the cultural and religious beliefs of the Chimu, who were later conquered by the Inca. Previously, a mass sacrifice site containing 140 children's skeletons and hundreds of llamas was discovered in the same area, further highlighting the prevalence of such rituals in pre-Hispanic Peru.