Did human sacrifice help lower violence? New research in Peru leaves intriguing question
In a key coastal area of Peru, violence was low despite the practice of human sacrifice.
A new study of ancient remains from the Lambayeque Valley in northern Peru reveals that despite the practice of human sacrifice, the region experienced relatively low levels of violence. Researchers led by Haagen Klaus of George Mason University analyzed the skeletal remains of 1,519 individuals buried in the area between 1500 BC and AD 1800, and found that only 1.6% exhibited signs of interpersonal violence, while 5.1% showed evidence of accidental injuries.
The researchers suggest that human sacrifice may have played a role in reducing interpersonal violence, possibly by providing a controlled outlet for social tensions. However, the exact reasons why violence remained low in the Lambayeque Valley are not fully understood, and scholars speculate that factors such as access to marine resources and favorable environmental conditions may have contributed to the region's relative peace.
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