In the coastal town of Huanchaco (north of Peru's capital Lima), archaeologists have unearthed the bodies of 227 sacrificial victims aged between 5 and 14.
The children are believed to have been sacrificed more than 500 years ago. Some of the bodies still had hair and skin when they were dug up.
There are indications that the children were killed in wet weather and buried facing the sea, so the purpose of the sacrifice may have been to appease the Chimú gods.
The Chimú people lived along the northern coast of Peru and were one of the most powerful civilizations in the region at the time. They lived in great prosperity from 1200 to 1400 BC until they were conquered by the Incas.
The Chimú worshipped the moon god Shi, believing the moon to be more powerful than the sun. Worshippers often made human sacrifices and other offerings in spiritual ceremonies.
Excavation work is still continuing at this mass burial site and scientists believe that more bodies may be found.
