Archaeologists uncover 600-year-old Chan Chan burial complex in Peru, along with 38 high-status individuals
The excavation was carried out by the Chan Chan Archaeological Complex Special Project, which conducts research and conservation work at the ancient site.
Video: 600-plus-year-old burial complex uncovered at ancient Chan Chan in Peru
Peru’s Ministry of Culture is calling the discovery of a more than 600-year-old funerary platform at Chan Chan
THE TAKEAWAY:
- Archaeologists have uncovered a burial complex over 600 years old in Chan Chan.
- Excavated artifacts reveal wealth and clear stylistic influences.
- The remains of 38 high-status individuals were recovered.
CHAN CHAN, Peru — Archaeologists in Peru have uncovered a remarkably well-preserved funerary platform containing the remains of 38 high-status individuals at the ancient city of Chan Chan, dating back more than 600 years.
Chan Chan was the capital of the Chimú civilization and is one of the largest pre-Columbian cities in South America.
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Archaeologists give tour of uncovered 600+ year-old burial complex at ancient Chan Chan in Peru.
(Ministerio de Cultura del Perú / Facebook )
On Tuesday, Peru’s Ministry of Culture announced the discovery at the Utzh An walled complex, the former Gran Chimú Palace.
The ministry highlighted the impressive discovery on social media, noting that the site was exceptionally well-preserved because it had escaped historical looting.
They added that the excavated artifacts show signs of high-status wealth and clear Inca stylistic influence.
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The excavation was carried out by the Chan Chan Archaeological Complex Special Project, which conducts research and conservation work at the ancient site.
Photo appears to show ceramics uncovered from the burial complex.
(Ministerio de Cultura del Perú / Facebook )
According to data released by Peru’s state-run news agency Andina, the funerary platform consists of a central chamber and two side chambers.
The central chamber measures 1.2 meters wide and 5 meters deep, while the two side chambers measure 1.5 meters wide by 8 meters long and 3.5 meters deep.
Archaeologists uncover the remains of 38 high-status individuals at the ancient city of Chan Chan, dating back more than 600 years.
(Ministerio de Cultura del Perú / Facebook )
Archaeologist Jorge Meneses, said the central chamber contained the remains of an individual accompanied by numerous artifacts made of shell and metal.
Photo appears to show shells uncovered from the burial complex.
(Ministerio de Cultura del Perú / Facebook )
The two side chambers had different contents. One contained no skeletal remains but included some weapons and metal emblems, while the other has so far yielded 20 buried individuals.
The platform also contained 18 additional burials, bringing the total number of individuals discovered to 38.
Archaeologists uncover 600+ year old burial complex at ancient Chan Chan in Peru.
(Ministerio de Cultura del Perú / Facebook )
Meneses said one of the burials stood out because of its unusual funerary treatment.
The individual was found lying fully extended at the bottom of one of the chambers, an arrangement that differs from the flexed or seated-flexed positions typically associated with Chimú burials.