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Americas' First Gun Victim Found in Peru

Inca warrior shot in head by Conquistadors, archaeologists say

By Colleen Barry,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 21, 2007 4:17 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The first gunshot victim in the Americas—an 16th century Inca warrior blasted in the back of the head by Spanish Conquistadors—has been discovered by archaeologists poring over the bones of 72 Incans killed in a 1536 uprising in Peru. The remains of the warriors were uncovered in a Lima suburb during road construction.

Other victims showed evidence of being hacked, impaled, torn and bludgeoned with more primitive stone weapons wielded by fellow Indians, who apparently fought alongside the Conquistadors. The battle had been folkloric for centuries, but evidence of collusion between natives and imperialists brings the traditional account into question.

Members of the Incas Sons of the Sun fraternity dance.
Members of the Incas Sons of the Sun fraternity dance.   (Getty Images)
A mummified male body from Peru circa 1200-1400 on display at the new Wellcome Collection in London, Wednesday June 20, 2007. The Wellcome Collection is a new 30 million pound (44.4 million euro/US$59.6 million) visitor attraction, it combines three contemporary galleries together with a library, to promote visitors...
A mummified male body from Peru circa 1200-1400 on display at the new Wellcome Collection in London, Wednesday June 20, 2007. The Wellcome Collection is a new 30 million pound (44.4 million euro/US$59.6...   (Associated Press)
The ruins of Peru's famed Machu Picchu are seen in this July, 2006, file photo. Machu Picchu is among the leading contenders to be the new seven wonders of the world as a massive poll enters its final month with votes already cast by more than 50 million people, organizers...
The ruins of Peru's famed Machu Picchu are seen in this July, 2006, file photo. Machu Picchu is among the leading contenders to be the new seven wonders of the world as a massive poll enters its final...   (Associated Press)
Pictured is a piece of pottery dating back to 1500 B.C., on display at a repatriation ceremony marking the return of pre-Columbian Peruvian artifacts to the government of Peru at Florida International University in Miami, Wednesday, June 13, 2007. This artifact is from the Andes Mountains north of Lima,...
Pictured is a piece of pottery dating back to 1500 B.C., on display at a repatriation ceremony marking the return of pre-Columbian Peruvian artifacts to the government of Peru at Florida International...   (Associated Press)
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See also

The NOVA special, airing Tuesday night
PBS

 
archaeology • science • Peru • Incans • weapon • history • Conquistador • Lima

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