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Archaeologists have unearthed the remains of over a dozen humans in Peru dated to around 400BC, buried face down with their hands tied behind their backs, revealing insights about strange ancient burial rituals in the region.

The burial discovered in Peru’s northern coastal region of Puemape points to what may have been an ancient ritual sacrifice or burial, say researchers, including those from the National University of San Marcos.

Buried individuals show signs of violence, including blows to multiple parts of the body, fractures, and unusual positions, hinting they were likely sacrificed after an armed conflict.

“The way in which they were placed in the tomb is strange,” Henry Tantalean from the National University of San Marcos told Live Science.

They were laid to rest “with their faces to the ground, an unusual burial pattern throughout Andean prehistory,” said Dr Tantaleán, who heads the Research Group in Archaeology of Andean Science and Technologies of San Marcos.