Finding collective children graves dating back about 550 years

Hundreds of children and camels were thought to have been killed in a sacrificial rite from pre-Colombo in Peru.

Collective children are found in Peru.(Photo: National Geographic.)

Archaeologists discovered the largest ever collective child grave in history at the archaeological site of Las Llamas in Peru's northern coast, National Geographic reported on April 26. More than 140 remains of children aged 5-14 were excavated in an ancient tomb dating back about 550 years, the period before Cristoforo Colombo discovered America.

The tomb is said to be part of the sacrificial rite of the ancient Chimú empire, the second largest empire in Peruvian history. At least 140 children and 200 llamas under 18 months of age were killed and buried on the same day in this ruthless sacrificial rite.

Archaeologists have found bone cuts of both children and camels, especially in the sternum and ribs, suggesting that the sacrifice may have been pecked. Besides, archaeologists also discovered red dye on children's skulls, and small footprints left in the burial area.

Cuts and red stains are found on the remains of children.(Photo: National Geographic.)

"They sacrificed to the gods the most important thing they have is children, because children represent the future. Camels are also important in sacrificial rites because they are part of economy at that time, " said Professor Gabriel Prieto from Trujillo National University of Peru.

Archeology team with taxonomists are trying to clarify the cause behind this large-scale child sacrifice rite.