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Sacrifices have been part of human culture for centuries. But a new study has revealed an unprecedented sacrifice when a son was strangled next to his father in a 1,500-year-old Peruvian tomb.
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Archaeologists have been studying the Moche culture in Peru since 1899, when the Temple of the Moon was discovered. Since then, tombs have been discovered with high-ranking Moche, complete with art, treasure, and jewelry. More is believed to have existed but was likely taken when Spanish conquistadors came through the region.
In most cultures, it is generally men who have high-ranking roles in society, leading them to be entombed at the time of their death. This comes with riches and sometimes, the sacrifice of others. When the tomb of Señora de Cao was discovered in 2005, it showed women were highly regarded in the culture as well.
Like other tombs discovered in Moche Valley, Señora de Cao had people entombed with her. Three were adults and two were adolescents who were strangled.
Initially believed to be children chosen at random, it was discovered that both the young people were related to Señora de Cao. This is something that had never before been seen in the culture, leaving archaeologists wondering if the tombs of other elite Moche had family members sacrificed at the time of their deaths as well.
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How Researchers Determined Those Sacrificed Were Related
Archaeologists have been using radiocarbon analysis to gain further understanding of archaeological sites over the last decade or so. Places like Pompeii have changed cultural biases when the sexes of the "mother and child" were determined to be both male. In Peru, with the Moche people, radiocarbon analysis also shed light on who was sacrificed in the tomb.
In 2005, archaeologists discovered a tomb that belonged to an elite member of the Moche, Señora de Cao. In the tomb with Señora de Cao were three men and two young people who had been strangled.
It was believed that the men were somehow related to Señora de Cao. The two who were sacrificed, however, were believed to be members of the Moche, but not family.
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Therefore, according to a study published in PNAS, when the radiocarbon analysis came back stating that two of the men were likely Senora de Cao's brothers and another was perhaps her father or grandfather, there was no surprise. But, when the adolescents came back as a son of one of Señora de Cao's brothers and Señora de Cao's niece, archaeologists were shocked.
Whether the two who were sacrificed via plant fiber decided to be killed by choice or were forced to be sacrificed is unknown. But, according to study co-author, Jeffrey Quilter, many times those who were sacrificed did not go willingly.
"... Keep in mind that the people who arranged for the sacrifices and burials were not the same people who were sacrificed and buried. So some kind of court intrigue could have led to the outcomes we found in the burials." - Jeffrey Quilter
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Why Family Members Were Sacrificed Is Still Being Explored
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Throughout Peru, it is not uncommon for ancient civilizations to bury family members in the same tomb. However, sacrificing family members to one another is something that has not been seen in the Moche culture. According to study co-author, Lars Fehren-Schmitz, this has led archaeologists to wonder if other tombs in the culture will reveal further familial sacrifices as well.
"There are other high-status burial contexts associated with the Moche where sacrifice by strangulation has been postulated. The idea is that this is a more private and dignified form of ritual killing probably reserved for individuals of higher societal or religious/spiritual status." - Lars Fehren-Schmidt
It is very possible that killing family members was more common in the elite Moche culture than has previously been understood. However, according to Fehren-Schmitz, "no evidence has pointed to the sacrifice of close or adolescent relatives like we observed."
"There is also no other observation like this reported in the archaeological literature." - Lars Fehren-Schmitz
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Radiocarbon analysis is changing the way archaeologists look at their sites. With details emerging that never would have been anticipated, the world of archeology is answering questions that have been lingering. However, as questions are answered, more are asked, making for an exciting time in the field, indeed.