In a groundbreaking revelation, archaeologists have recently stumbled upon another ancient treasure on the hillsides of Puruchuco, the capital of Lima, Peru – a mummy believed to be over 1,000 years old, hailing from a time preceding the Inca civilization.
Puruchuco, the colossal Inca burial ground, holds the record as the most extensive excavation of its kind to date. Despite only exploring a mere 10% of the site over the past six decades, archaeologists have unearthed a staggering array of artifacts – 2,000 mummies, diverse pottery, hundreds of intricately woven fabric remnants, and a collection of coins crafted from copper, silver, and gold.
The recent discovery of the child mummy was an unexpected outcome of a topographic survey conducted for a new infrastructure project initiated by the Peruvian government. Within this survey, archaeologists identified dozens more mummies, nestled within a complex boasting 26 tombs that accommodated both adults and children.
Guillermo Cock, a key archaeologist involved in the research, reported that the count of uncovered mummies has reached 40, with expectations of the number continuing to climb. Despite the considerable age of these Inca mummies, they have remarkably maintained their state of preservation. Noteworthy among the finds is a mummy, discovered in early 2015, with one eye impeccably intact.
Following excavation, the child mummy underwent rapid transportation to a museum, ensuring its preservation under optimal conditions for subsequent research.
Peru has witnessed an influx of discoveries in recent years, with thousands of mummies coming to light. Among these finds, the “Juanita Ice Maiden” stands out as one of the most renowned, a girl preserved in the icy embrace of a mountain, offering a captivating glimpse into the mysteries of ancient Peruvian civilizations. As excavations continue, these revelations provide valuable insights into the lives of those who once thrived in this ancient Inca hub.