26 Incan mummy found in Peru

Archeologists say at least 22 Incan mummies have been discovered on the outskirts of the Peruvian capital, Lima. Archeologist Guillermo Cock said the mummies are more than 500 years old. They originate from the period between 1470 and 1530.

Mr. Cock said the spot where the mummies were discovered is part of the largest pre-Colombian cemetery in Peru. He said city planners arranged the excavation because the site is in the path of a planned highway, inform &to=http://www.voanews.com' target=_blank>Voanews.com

The human-sized tombs could each end up holding one or more cloth-wrapped mummies, he explained. Dozens more 500-year-old tombs from the Inca Empire are expected to turn up during the two-month dig. Since excavation of the 20-acre burial ground site began in 1999, experts have turned up more than 2,200 mummies, Cock said. The new remains will be taken to the Puruchuco museum located next to the cemetery for further study.

The dig, with an initial budget of 250,000 soles ($ 71,500), was scheduled by city planners ahead of a planned 3.5-kilometer highway artery extension being built through the area, report &to=http://www.hindustantimes.com' target=_blank>Nindustantimes.com