Pre-Hispanic Mummies Remains Found In Peru

Archaeologists in Peru have discovered the skeletal remains of mummies dating back up to 1,000 years.

The bones were found in the ruins of the great pyramid of Huaca Pucllana, which is in the Peruvian capital of Lima.

Local experts said they belong to the pre-Hispanic Ychsma people, who lived along the coastline between 1,000 and 1450 A.D.

"This is a very important discovery because it allows us to confirm that the Huaca Pucllana was an area inhabited by the Ychsma, and that it was used as a burial site," the area's culture manager Cristia Malaga said.

She said four burials had been found - three belonging to women.

One of the tombs had a skull and other bones, as well as pot-like artefacts.

The Huaca Pucllana site consists of a large pyramid, mostly built of adobe (earth and other organic material) and filled with boulders and sand constructions.

Archaeologists have also found the remains of Wari warriors - dating back up to 1,300 years - who had moved from the mountains of Peru to the coast.