Polish scientists have found ancient ritual platforms on which the Incas made sacrifices at the bottom of three mountain lakes in the Machu Picchu region, Science in Poland reports.
More than 500 years ago, Machu Picchu was surrounded by many temples and settlements. High in the mountains in the vicinity of the ancient city, archaeological divers have studied the bottom of three lakes.
The members of the expedition themselves note that it was unique.
“High altitude diving requires strict adherence to instructions, which are associated with much lower barometric pressure at higher altitudes. Traditional depth sensors can give incorrect results, making it difficult to plan and execute dives,”explained underwater diving instructor Premiso Trzesnajovski.
“As soon as we started to explore the bottom of the lakes at a depth of 20 meters, we found stone platforms. Probably, the Incas made sacrifices on them during rituals,”the publication quotes the words of another participant in the expedition.