• The Incas were known to engage in a sacrificial ritual involving children to appease their gods. • Archaeologists have found and analyzed the remains of these human sacrifices, although not all of them have undergone CT scanning, which can reveal additional details. • A new study, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, describes the findings regarding four newly scanned Inca child sacrifices, revealing additional insights into their lives, their deaths, and what the ritual meant to the Inca empire.
Article Summaries:
- A recent study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports used CT scans to examine four Inca child sacrifice remains, offering fresh details on the capacocha ritual. The imaging revealed new information about the children’s health, diet, and the circumstances of their deaths, shedding light on the ritual’s significance within the Inca empire. While previous analyses had identified the sacrifices, the scans provide a more nuanced view of the victims’ lives and the ceremonial practices that aimed to appease the gods. The findings deepen understanding of Inca religious customs and the role of child sacrifice in their society.
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