August 29 - Ultimate Evil: Chimú's Unthinkable Child Sacrifice
Honoring God's Heart for Children in a Broken World
This is the day archaeologists announced the discovery of one of the world's largest child sacrifice sites, with at least 269 victims from the Chimú culture, in Huanchaco, Peru in 2019.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Today’s post delves into topics that are both sensitive and potentially controversial: child sacrifice in ancient cultures and modern equivalents. In addressing our historical event, I have taken care to avoid unnecessarily graphic descriptions while ensuring historical accuracy in the details presented.
The lesson that follows may challenge some readers, particularly in its exploration of modern parallels such as abortion, child trafficking, and the Christian mandate to protect the innocent. I understand that some may hold different views, even within the Christian community. However, I believe the stance presented here is not only Biblically sound but essential to our understanding of God's heart for justice, mercy, and the sanctity of life.
As Christians, we are called to examine our beliefs in the light of Scripture, seeking truth with humility and courage. I invite you to engage with this post thoughtfully, considering the scriptural foundations and the call to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Let us approach this topic with both grace and conviction, recognizing the gravity of these issues and our responsibility as followers of Christ.
I also encourage open discussion in the comments below. Let's engage in a civil and respectful manner, fostering a dialogue that is both enriching and rooted in love and understanding. Together, let’s explore these challenging topics with the hope and wisdom that our faith provides.
"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!" - Isaiah 49:15 (NIV)
This Date in History
The scorching Peruvian sun beat down on the archaeological site in Huanchaco as researchers carefully brushed away centuries of sand, unaware that they were on the brink of uncovering a chilling secret. Beneath their feet lay one of the largest child sacrifice sites ever found, a silent testimony to the desperate measures of a civilization on the edge. Discovered in 2011, the site revealed an increasing number of victims with each passing year of excavation, leading to the grim announcement on August 29, 2019, that would shake our understanding of ancient Andean cultures.
The Chimú civilization, once a powerful empire along Peru's northern coast, flourished from around 900 to 1470 AD. At its peak, the Chimú capital of Chan Chan was home to an estimated 40,000-60,000 people, ruling over a territory that stretched nearly 1,000 kilometers along the Pacific coast. Known for their advanced engineering, the Chimú constructed intricate irrigation systems that transformed the arid landscape into fertile farmland. Their metalworkers crafted exquisite gold and silver objects, while their potters produced distinctive black ceramics that survive to this day.
Yet, beneath this veneer of sophistication lay a dark undercurrent. The sacrifice site, named Huanchaquito-Las Llamas, revealed the remains of at least 269 children aged between 5 and 14, alongside 466 young llamas. The children's ribs and sternums bore cut marks, evidence of the brutal extraction of their hearts. Additionally, many of the children showed signs of having their throats cut. Radiocarbon dating placed this mass killing around 1450 AD, mere decades before the Inca conquest.
This wasn't an isolated incident. The Huanchaquito-Las Llamas site was initially discovered in 2011, with excavations continuing over the years and revealing an increasing number of victims. However, another Chimú sacrifice site at Cerro Cerrillos, discovered earlier, contained the remains of 42 children and 76 llamas. These findings suggest that child sacrifice, while perhaps not commonplace, was a significant aspect of Chimú religious practice during times of crisis.
The scale of the Huanchaquito-Las Llamas site is unprecedented in the Americas. While the Aztecs were known for human sacrifice, including children, and the Inca practiced capacocha (the sacrifice of children in mountaintop rituals), the sheer number of victims at this Chimú site sets it apart.
Archaeologists believe these sacrifices were a desperate response to catastrophic weather events, likely related to El Niño. El Niño is a climate pattern that causes periodic warming of Pacific Ocean waters, leading to increased rainfall in some areas and drought in others. For the Chimú, whose economy relied heavily on agriculture and fishing, El Niño events would have been devastating, causing flooding, crop failures, and disruptions to marine life.
The children's final moments were likely filled with terror. Many were buried facing the sea, their bodies smeared with red cinnabar paint. Some were found with cloth over their faces, perhaps to blindfold them before the fatal act. The llamas, interred alongside the children, may have been intended as companions or provisions for the afterlife.
The Chimú's mighty empire met its end not long after these sacrifices. In 1470, the Inca, led by Tupac Inca Yupanqui, conquered the Chimú kingdom. The Inca's superior military organization and strategy overwhelmed the Chimú, despite their well-fortified cities. Chan Chan fell, and the Chimú culture was absorbed into the expanding Inca Empire.
This discovery at Huanchaquito-Las Llamas forces us to confront the complex and often brutal realities of ancient societies. It serves as a bleak reminder of the lengths humans will go to when faced with environmental catastrophe. The Chimú's extreme reaction to what they perceived as a climate crisis parallels the intense concerns expressed by some in our modern era about potential environmental threats. As we uncover more about the Chimú and their practices, we're left to grapple with difficult questions about the nature of sacrifice, the value of human life, and the desperate measures societies might take when they believe their very existence is threatened.
Historical Context
The Chimú child sacrifices of around 1450 AD took place during a pivotal era in world history. This period saw significant developments and changes across various civilizations and continents.
In Europe, the Renaissance was beginning to flourish, particularly in Italy. Artists and thinkers like Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli were pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and creativity. The printing press, invented by Johannes Gutenberg around 1440, was starting to revolutionize the spread of information.
Meanwhile, the Byzantine Empire was in its final years, with Constantinople falling to the Ottoman Turks in 1453, marking the end of the medieval Roman Empire and significantly altering the geopolitical landscape of Europe and the Middle East.
In East Asia, the Ming Dynasty of China was at its height, having sent out the famous treasure fleets under Admiral Zheng He in the early 15th century, reaching as far as East Africa. These voyages, which ended in 1433, represented China's brief period of maritime exploration.
The Aztec Empire in Mesoamerica was in its ascendancy, expanding its control over much of central Mexico. Like the Chimú, the Aztecs also practiced human sacrifice, though on a different scale and for varying reasons.
In North America, many Native American cultures were thriving, with complex societies like the Mississippian culture building large urban centers.
Africa saw the continuation of powerful empires such as the Songhai Empire in West Africa and the Kingdom of Kongo in Central Africa, both engaged in trade networks that stretched across the continent and beyond.
The Inca Empire, which would soon conquer the Chimú, was in a phase of rapid expansion under the leadership of Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui. Their military and administrative prowess would soon bring much of western South America under their control.
This global context underscores that the Chimú, despite their isolation from Old World civilizations, were part of a world experiencing significant changes and developments. Their response to environmental challenges through large-scale sacrifice reflects one society's extreme measures in a time of crisis, contrasting with how other cultures around the world were adapting to their own challenges.
The discovery of the Huanchaquito-Las Llamas site in 2019 has prompted renewed interest in understanding how ancient societies coped with environmental stresses. While debates continue about current climate trends, this find offers valuable insights into past human responses to perceived environmental threats.
Did You Know?
The Chimú empire was known for its sophisticated hydraulic engineering. They built an intricate network of canals, reservoirs, and aqueducts that stretched for hundreds of kilometers, allowing them to farm in the arid coastal region. This system was so advanced that some parts of it are still in use today.
Learn More
The Chimu - Michael E. Moseley
Ancient Civilizations of Peru - J. Alden Mason
The Incas and Their Ancestors: The Archaeology of Peru - Michael E. Moseley
The Ancient Andean States: Political and Economic Structures of the Chimu - Alan L. Kolata
Today’s Reflection
The ground in Huanchaco, Peru, held a secret for centuries - a testament to human desperation and misguided faith. When archaeologists uncovered the remains of at least 269 children sacrificed by the ancient Chimú civilization, it forced us to confront an uncomfortable truth: throughout history, societies have often failed to protect their most vulnerable members.
God's heart for children echoes through scripture. "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!" declares Isaiah 49:15 (NIV). This tender image of God's love stands in stark contrast to the cruel realities faced by many children, both in ancient times and today.
Child sacrifice has been a recurring tragedy in human history. From the Canaanites to the Aztecs, cultures have offered their young in desperate attempts to appease angry gods or avert disaster. However, the Bible is unequivocal in its condemnation of such practices. In Leviticus 18:21 (NIV), God explicitly forbids child sacrifice: "Do not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molek, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the Lord." This divine prohibition stands in stark contrast to the practices of surrounding cultures and emphasizes God's valuation of children's lives.
The Chimú's mass sacrifice of children, likely in response to environmental catastrophes, reflects a horrifying logic: offer what is most precious to appease the gods. While we may recoil at such practices, we must confront an uncomfortable parallel in our modern world. Today's child trafficking and abortion industry, though different in form, stem from a similar devaluation of young lives.
In the United States alone, tens of thousands of children fall prey to human trafficking each year, a modern-day sacrifice on the altar of greed and exploitation. Globally, millions of unborn lives are ended annually through abortion. These practices, like the ancient sacrifices, prioritize perceived benefits or personal choices over the sanctity of innocent lives. While we acknowledge the complex circumstances that can surround these issues, the biblical principle of life's sanctity remains uncompromised.
We must recognize that these modern evils are not merely social issues, but spiritual battles. The same dark forces that convinced the Chimú to sacrifice their children are at work today, manifesting in different forms. Satan and his demons, at war with God, seek to destroy those created in His image - and children are prime targets. As Ephesians 6:12 (NIV) reminds us, "Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Yet, we must also remember that human beings have free will and are responsible for their actions, as James 1:14-15 (NIV) teaches: "But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."
The parallels between ancient child sacrifice and modern practices that endanger children are deeply unsettling. Just as the Chimú believed their actions would bring about a greater good, many today justify abortion as a necessary evil or a matter of personal choice. But God's word is clear: every life, from the moment of conception, is sacred and worthy of protection. Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV) declares, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart."
The sanctity of human life demands that we speak out against all practices that take innocent life, including all forms of abortion, from conception to birth. We are especially compelled to challenge laws that permit late-term abortions or fail to protect infants who survive abortion attempts. Every child, born or unborn, is created in the image of God and deserves the chance at life that He intended.
Our responsibility extends beyond simply opposing abortion; we are called to nurture, protect, and provide for children, reflecting the love of our Heavenly Father who never forgets or forsakes His own. We must also extend God's grace and offer the hope of redemption to those who may have participated in or been affected by abortion. As 1 John 1:9 (NIV) reminds us, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
In America, the tragic irony persists that it's often easier and less expensive to terminate a pregnancy than to pursue adoption. This reality flies in the face of God's heart for the orphan and His call for us to care for the fatherless. James 1:27 (NIV) instructs us that "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress." As Christians, we are called not only to oppose practices that harm children but also to actively support and facilitate loving alternatives like adoption.
In all things, let us be both bold in our stand for life and compassionate in our ministry to those in need of healing.
As we grapple with these challenging realities, let us draw strength from God's unwavering love and His commitment to all His children. This same love compels us to action—to advocate for the most vulnerable, to support families considering adoption, to combat the evil of trafficking, and to cultivate a culture that genuinely values every young life. In doing so, we not only stand firm in our convictions but also embody the grace and mercy of Christ, who welcomed the little children and declared, "the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
May our efforts reflect both truth and compassion, honoring God’s creation while extending His grace to those in need of healing and redemption.
Practical Application
Educate yourself and others about the realities of child trafficking and abortion statistics in your local area and globally. Use reputable sources to gather information and share it responsibly within your community. Consider volunteering or donating to organizations that work to prevent child trafficking or support alternatives to abortion, such as crisis pregnancy centers or adoption agencies. Pray regularly for the protection of children worldwide and for wisdom for lawmakers and leaders. If you're in a position to do so, consider becoming a foster parent or exploring adoption. Advocate for policies that make adoption more accessible and affordable. Most importantly, reflect on how you can embody Christ's love for children in your daily life, whether through mentoring, teaching, or simply being a positive presence for the young people in your community.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, our hearts ache for the children who suffer in our world today. We pray for Your protection over every young life, born and unborn. Give us the courage to stand for what is right, to be a voice for the voiceless, and to reflect Your love for the little ones. Guide our society towards valuing every life as You do. Forgive us where we've fallen short and empower us to make a difference. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Supplementary Study
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
This passage emphasizes God's intimate involvement in creating each human life, underscoring the value of every individual from conception.
"And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."
Jesus' words here highlight the importance of children in God's kingdom and the severe consequences for those who harm them.
"This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live."
God's command to choose life extends beyond personal decisions to societal choices, encouraging us to create a culture that values and protects life at all stages.
Final Thoughts
The discovery of the Chimú child sacrifice site stands as a horrifying testament to the depths of human depravity and the terrible consequences of false beliefs. This ancient atrocity serves as a grim parallel to modern evils that continue to threaten the lives of innocent children. As Christians, we are called to confront these dark realities with unwavering conviction - recognizing the inherent, God-given value of every life, especially the most vulnerable among us. Our faith demands that we be vigilant protectors of children, fierce advocates for the unborn, and beacons of truth in a world that often disregards the sanctity of young lives. By aligning our hearts with God's profound love for children, we not only honor His creation but also stand firm against the spiritual forces that seek to destroy it. In doing so, we reflect God's character and bring His light to a world desperately in need of His truth, justice, and compassion.
Community Engagement
Share your thoughts or use these questions to get the conversation started.
How does the discovery of the Chimú child sacrifice site impact your understanding of ancient cultures and their religious practices?
In what ways do you see parallels between ancient child sacrifices and modern threats to children's well-being? How can we address these issues as Christians?
How can we balance speaking out against practices that harm children while showing compassion to those who may have participated in or been affected by such practices?
What practical steps can we take as individuals and as a church community to better protect and value children, both locally and globally?
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In tomorrow's lesson, we'll explore the delicate balance between holding on and letting go, as exemplified by a powerful ancient ruler's final decision. How might we navigate life's inevitable transitions with grace and faith, even when faced with the end of an era?
The unearthed grave of 269 children is horrific enough, though it would be miniscule in comparison to the proverbial grave our nation is filling every year. God have mercy!
That said, I’m afraid to completely outlaw this awful practice is as challenging a task as it was for the Founders to outlaw slavery. I think Trump’s reasoning is sound - to bring it back into the hands of the states. The contrast between the states choosing life, and those still sacrificing to Molech will eventually be so obvious that the practice would become unthinkable.
Proof that man's heart is truly reprobate... and in need of a Savior.