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Coverage dated November 2, 2026 to November 3, 2026

The Inca Gave Children Drugs Before Sacrificing Them to the Gods, Including Cocaine and Alcohol

Headline from ZME Science

Chemical traces reveal how the Inca prepared children for sacrifice on sacred mountains 500 years ago.

ZME Science's own description from its feed. We collect headlines and these descriptions, not full articles; read the original reporting below.

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Reports & sources

3 articles, oldest first.

  1. Gizmodo

    Here’s What the Inca Gave Children Before Sacrificing Them on Volcanoes (opens Gizmodo)

    Published

    Gizmodo's feed description

    From the ritual, the Inca believed the children would become the intermediary between them and the gods—and these substances may have been an "offering" to ease their journey.

  2. Scientific American

    Incan children were given hallucinogens before they were sacrificed to the gods (opens Scientific American)

    Published

    Scientific American's feed description

    New toxicology tests of Incan mummies found the kids were given not just cocaine, but alcohol and chemicals found in ayahuasca before the ceremony

  3. ZME Science

    The Inca Gave Children Drugs Before Sacrificing Them to the Gods, Including Cocaine and Alcohol (opens ZME Science)

    Published

    ZME Science's feed description

    Chemical traces reveal how the Inca prepared children for sacrifice on sacred mountains 500 years ago.