Peru Chapter: The Moche Ruins of Trujillo

🏛️ The Temples: Rituals and Art The temples' facades are covered in reliefs, and their plazas hosted ritual sacrifices—distinct from Mesoamerican practices. Unlike the Aztecs' use of war captives, the Moche "produced" their own victims through ritual combat. Warriors dueled with shields and wooden clubs; losers were strung by the neck to the temple's summit, where priests slit their throats and drank their blood. Corpses were left for vultures—a possible form of sky burial, believing the birds would carry souls to appease the gods. 👑 Noble Chambers & the Lady of Cao Beyond the main temple, platforms house smaller chambers for elites, likely dedicated to different deities. The area yielded the impeccably preserved mummy Señora de Cao, a tattooed noblewoman (her arms bore serpent designs). While her original remains are off-limits to photos, replicas showcase her intricate tattoos. ⚠️ Visitor Tips Moon Temple and Huaca Cao Viejo rank among Peru’s finest pre-Columbian sites, with detailed signage (a rarity—looking at you, Machu Picchu). Huaca Cao Viejo has active excavations; some areas may close during work. Chan Chan and the Moon Temple are closed Mondays. Other sites under the Chan Chan combo ticket remain closed for renovations—check updates before visiting. 🌟 Final Thoughts Trujillo sees fewer tourists than Peru’s hotspots. Local kids, curious about Asian faces, often asked us for selfies—a testament to the town’s warmth. Highly recommended for history buffs seeking crowd-free wonders! #PeruTravel #MocheCivilization #HiddenHistory #Trujillo #ArchaeologyLovers