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Toxicology analysis of Inca child mummies revealed that the children were administered multiple psychoactive substances before being sacrificed in religious ceremonies. The tests detected cocaine, alcohol, and chemical compounds associated with ayahuasca in the remains. These findings provide direct evidence that Inca priests used a combination of intoxicants to sedate the children prior to the sacrificial ritual.
Why it matters
This research offers concrete scientific evidence about Inca religious practices and the treatment of sacrificial victims, expanding our understanding of pre-Columbian ritual preparation methods. The findings demonstrate how advanced chemical analysis can reveal previously unknown details about ancient cultural and ceremonial practices.
Understand the Science
New toxicology tests of Inca mummies found the kids were given not just cocaine but also alcohol and chemicals found in ayahuasca before the ceremony
Source: Inca children were given hallucinogens before they were sacrificed to the gods