Experts have determined that the children who became victims of rituals were under the influence of alcoholic and narcotic substances up to a year before their demise, according to sources.
According to the results of new studies, child sacrifice among the Incas was indeed a horrific process. In January, a paper was published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, in which scientists analyzed the mummified remains of children found at the heights of the Peruvian volcanoes Ampato and Sara Sara. Four girls, known as Ampato No. 1, No. 2, No. 4, and Sara Sara, became victims of capacocha — an important Inca ritual associated with political events and natural disasters.
The Incas selected children to serve as representatives of their communities before the gods. Spanish chroniclers described them as physically perfect sacrifices; however, data from computed tomography reveals a different reality.
Computed Tomography Results on Child Sacrifices Among the Incas
Ampato No. 1, also known as Lady Ampato, died at approximately 14 years of age from head and pelvic injuries. Ampato No. 2, who was around eight years old, also suffered a fatal head injury and had chronic health issues, which casts doubt on the idea of selecting only flawless children. Sara Sara, who was also about 14 years old, had similar injuries and signs of stress.
The most telling story is that of Ampato No. 4, who died at 10 years of age from a head injury. Computed tomography suggests that her body underwent alterations after death. Scientists found stones and tissues in her abdominal cavity, as well as evidence of multiple burials. She is considered the first known case of intentional mummification of a child within the framework of capacocha.
Spanish chronicles describe how living Incas turned to the preserved bodies of their rulers. Given that all indications point to similar treatment of Ampato No. 4, it can be assumed that even after death, the victim continued to fulfill a ritual role, especially in communities that were forced to migrate.
