Seven ancient tombs belonging to a group of affluent people have been found by archaeologists in Peru.
A stock image shows an archaeologist excavating human remains. Researchers have discovered seven ancient tombs (not pictured) belonging to a group of elite individuals in Peru.
The graves were discovered at the Pallawcha Pampa archaeological site, which is located deep within the Peruvian Andes highlands in the province of Vilcas Huamán in the Ayacucho area, according to the Andina news agency. The tombs were discovered by a team from National University of San Cristóbal de Huamanga (UNSCH).
The tombs, which include human remains, are believed to be 2,900 years old and predate the Wari or Huari culture, according to researchers. Between around A.D. 500 and 1000, the Wari had a pre-Hispanic civilization that thrived in the south-central Andes and coastal regions of what is now Peru.
The most significant pre-Hispanic society in the area that now comprises the present Ayacucho region was this civilization, which predates the Inca Empire.
The leader of the UNSCH archaeological team, Edison Mendoza Martnez, said that the burials found at Pallawcha Pampa were those of notable individuals and referred to them as "the Lords of Vilcas Huamán."
At the site's surface level, archaeologists discovered three mounds that were encircled by terraces and held up by substantial stone walls. The researchers also found a significant number of broken pottery strewn about.
Due to the fact that it had the most archaeological relics, Central Two, one of the mounds, was of great note.
At this mound, excavations revealed a circular building and multiple holes that were later covered with slabs.
"When excavating the holes, secondary burials were found—in some cases they were not only of a single individual but of several. As an offering, associated elements were found such as vessels," Mendoza Martínez told the Andina Agency
The crew discovered several funeral objects at the site, including gold feathers, metal needles, and rings. According to the archaeologists, these artifacts show that the graves belonged to an aristocratic group.
Mendoza Martnez claimed that the crew also discovered proof of a later Wari occupation of the site, including intricate building.
The researchers' next step will be to conduct a DNA analysis to date the remains and discover whether the individuals interred there were blood relatives.
Archaeologists reported the discovery of a mummy in Peru earlier this month, which they believe to be roughly 1,000 years old. In the Peruvian capital of Lima, the remains were interred in a cemetery at the summit of a huge clay pyramid building.
Archaeologists also reported the finding of historic underground galleries at another location high in the Peruvian Andes in September.
