Ancient Mysteries

While scholars and students know much about the Incan civilization of Peru, little was known about the Moche civilization until recently. This ancient culture was rich in art and wealth, but its bizarre sacrificial rites mystified archeologists and anthropologists alike. Who were the Moche? When did they live? What were their lives like? And why did they perform such extremely violent and heinous acts of human sacrifice? This episode of Ancient Mysteries unravels the enigma of the Moche.

Note to Educators: Some of the content dealing with the sacrificial rituals of the Moche may be too intense for younger viewers.

Blood and Treasure in Peru

Objectives
Students will learn about the ancient Moche Peruvian civilization. They will explore the art and culture of this civilization and its human sacrificial rites. They will also explore the connection between environmental disasters and these rituals.

National History Standards
This teacher’s guide fulfills the following National Standards for History for grades 5–12 as developed by the National Center for History in the Schools: Chronological Thinking, Historical Comprehension, Historical Analysis and Interpretations, and Historical Research Capabilities for World History (Era 3).

Discussion Questions

  1. Archeologists discovered the civilization of the Moche in Peru. Where is Peru? What is its climate? What are its characteristics?

  2. Although archeologists now know of the Moche, they still know little about them. Who were the Moche? Why have they remained such a mystery for so long?

  3. Scientists uncovered grim scenes at the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon. What are these temples? What makes them unique?

  4. What were the profiles of Moche victims discovered at the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon?

  5. Scientists estimate that the Moche culture flourished about 100 C.E. (A.D. 100). [Comp: “C.E.” and “A.D.” set small caps] Who were their contemporaries? What were the accomplishments of their contemporaries?

  6. What type of culture did the Moche have? Discuss the characteristics of their culture.

  7. The Moche left no written documents, but they did leave behind other types or records. What did the Moche leave behind? How have scientists reconstructed their culture from these records?

  8. How has Moche art revealed clues about long-past worlds?

  9. While archeologists and anthropologists thought that the Moche practiced ritual human sacrifice, they did not have any proof. What provided evidence to support their hypotheses?

  10. In whose tomb did archeologists discover evidence supporting the hypothesis of ritual human sacrifice?

  11. Lord Sipan’s skull suggests that he was put in a cradleboard as an infant. What is a cradleboard? How do scientists know he was carried in one as an infant?

  12. Building the mound pyramids was grueling and arduous work. Why did the Moche undertake such a difficult task?

  13. Compare and contrast the pyramids of the Egyptians and the pyramids of the Moche.

  14. Who or what is “The Decapitator?”

  15. Archeologists speculate that the Moche practiced ritual sacrifice for a reason. Why do they think the Moche performed this horrific ritual?

  16. What is El Niño? How does it affect weather patterns?

  17. Compare the modern environmental disasters of El Niño to that which occurred during the Moche civilization.
Extended Activities

  1. Using a medium of your choice, construct a small-scale replica of a Moche mound.

  2. Many of the clues about the Moche culture have come from their portrait vessels. Create an artist’s rendering of these portrait vessels, or a portrait vessel bearing the likeness of someone you admire.

  3. Research El Niño on the Internet, and use your data to create a report about this environmental phenomenon.
Primary Sources
  • National Geographic Website featuring Moche art http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0103/feature3/_

Air Dates

Classroom Materials