Lima, Aug 28 (IANS): Archaeologists in Peru have uncovered the remains of 227 children sacrificed by the pre-Columbian Chimu civilization.
The remains were of children aged 4-12 years old, as well as of 40 warriors, sacrificed between the 13th and 15th centuries, according to a video from Peruvian state media agency Andina.
It is believed to be the largest single mass child sacrifice in history.
The discovery was made near the coastal town of Huanchaco, north of Peru's capital Lima. Archaeologists say the children were sacrificed to the Chimu gods in an attempt to end natural disasters linked with the El Nino phenomenon.
It comes barely a year after 200 child victims of human sacrifice were found at two other sites in the country, the BBC reported.
Archaeologists said that more bodies may still be discovered as excavation work continued at the mass burial site.