Excavation of a site of mass child sacrifice in Peru.

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.

These children are believed to have been sacrificed over 500 years ago. Some of the bodies still had hair and skin when they were unearthed.

There are indications that the children were killed in humid weather and buried facing the sea, suggesting the sacrifice may have been intended to appease the Chimú gods.

The Chimú people inhabited the northern coast of Peru and were one of the most powerful civilizations in the region at that time. They lived in prosperity and abundance from 1200 to 1400 BC until they were conquered by the Incas.

The Chimú people worship the moon god Shi, believing that the moon is more powerful than the sun. Worshippers often offer human sacrifices and other offerings in their spiritual rituals.

Currently, excavation work is continuing at this mass burial site, and scientists believe that more bodies may be found.

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Kieu Mai