1,600-Year-Old Mummies Unearthed in Peru
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Archaeologists unearthed four mummies that could be up to 1,600 years old in Peru's capital Lima, at ruins which apparently house the crypt of a prominent member of the ancient Wari people, researchers said today.
"The first elements were found a week ago as part of a funeral scene (tombs and mummies) of the Wari culture (500-1000 AD) and a shroud was located with a well-preserved mummy next to three more shrouds," researcher Gladys Paz said in a statement.
"It is very likely that the bodies found inside were children who were placed there as an offering, and to accompany the prominent person," she added.
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Also part of the scene in Lima, which included decorative textiles, were ceramic containers, reed baskets and corn stalks.
Lima people (100-650 AD) long ago lived in the spot in question, which was later overrun by the Wari people, who turned it into a burial ground.