In the Inca civilization, which lives on the west coast of South America and is one of the greatest civilizations in history, human as ritual, especially child sacrifices (capacocha) was a common ritual. It was performed to celebrate major events such as child sacrifice, the birth of a new baby for the royal family, or the victory of a war.

An interesting discovery about the Inca civilization was announced today. In a new study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, scientists revealed that ritually sacrificed children were given cocaine before being sacrificed. in research more than 500 years ago The toxicological analysis of two children aged six and seven who were burned during the ritual was conducted.

They were given drugs to reduce their anxiety.

• Replica of the famous ‘Plomo Mummy’ of the Incas.

In samples of the children’s mummies’ nails and hair, the researchers found that the victims had been chewing coca leaves and getting drunk on a drink called “ayahuasca” for the past few weeks. It has antidepressant properties found in Banisteriopsis caapi, the plant from which the drink is made. to “reduce the anxiety and depressive states of the victims” was suspected of having been used.

Another study published in the journal PNAS in 2013 The diet of a 13-year-old Inca girl including his analysis. In this analysis, it was revealed that the child started consuming coca and alcohol before being sacrificed. These methods are thought to enable children to be better ‘prepared’ for the victim.