The Andes mountain range, located in South America, is a geological marvel that has existed for roughly 50 million years. Formed by the collision of the South American and Pacific tectonic plates, the range stretches across seven countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
Over the centuries, numerous civilisations have thrived in these rugged peaks, including the Atacama, Uru, Digauita, and Quechua peoples. Among the most renowned were the Incas, who emerged from the Peruvian highlands in the early 13th century to form a highly advanced society.
Despite the passing of time, traces of these ancient cultures seemed to have vanished from the mountains—until a remarkable discovery was made.
While scaling Argentina’s portion of the Andes and ascending the world’s tallest active volcano, a team of researchers stumbled upon something extraordinary just past the peak: the nearly perfectly preserved remains of a 13-year-old girl wrapped tightly in a blanket.
Alongside her were the remains of a younger girl and a boy, believed to be around four and five years old. Initially thought to have been preserved recently, the analysis revealed they were, in fact, approximately 500 years old, linking them to the Inca civilisation.
The preservation of the trio was unparalleled. Though buried under 1.5 meters (five feet) of rock and earth, CT scans of their remains revealed that their internal organs appeared to be in an unexpectedly intact state, similar to those of someone who had passed away only recently.
Archaeologist Dr Johan Reinhard, part of the research team, referred to the discovery as “the best preserved of any mummy I’ve seen.”
Recalling the excavation in the Smithsonian Channel documentary, Mummies Alive: The Inca Maiden, Dr Reinhard described the chilling moment when the mummy was unearthed, with the textiles surrounding the remains “so well preserved” they seemed almost alive.
“We were afraid we might wake this mummy up,” he said, explaining the emotional experience of unwrapping the remains, especially when uncovering the hands, which appeared flawless, with perfectly preserved nails and skin creases.
The girl, later named ‘The Maiden’, was found with a range of artifacts, including ceramics and textiles, all remarkably intact.
These relics, untouched by time, still exhibited vibrant colors and pristine conditions. However, since the initial discovery in 1995, further research has uncovered darker aspects of The Maiden’s story.
In 2013, a forensic study revealed that the two girls, including The Maiden, had been sedated with drugs and alcohol before their deaths.
Dr Emma Brown, from the University of Bradford, explained that Spanish chronicles suggest children were sacrificed by the Incas during significant events, such as wars, natural disasters, or important rituals.
Forensic tests on the Maiden’s hair revealed an increase in coca leaf consumption in the year leading up to her death, a sign she was likely chosen for sacrifice.
The diet shift and the presence of alcohol in her system pointed to a pre-sacrifice ritual. Despite no signs of violence, the research suggests that the cold and altitude of the mountain—over 6,000 meters above sea level—likely led to her peaceful death.
