Peruvian archaeologists unearth pre-Inca relics

Archaeologists in Peru have discovered a sundial, an underground tunnel and a reception room in a complex dating back to the Wari civilization, El Comercio newspaper reported Sunday. 

Marcahuamachuco complex in Peru [Credit: AFP]

One of the relics is believed to be a precursor to an Incan sundial, while 18 niches painted in white on the walls may have held ancestral mummies, Joseph Ochatoma, leading the excavation, told the newspaper. 

Ochatoma added that the reception room is shaped like the letter “D” and is surrounded by platforms. 

The discovery was made several months ago but only disclosed recently. 

The complex, situated in the the Andean region of Ayacucho was discovered in 1931. The first excavations there began in 1942 but were cut short due to budget shortfalls. 

Today, archaeologists from the San Cristobal de Huamanga National University are perusing the area for more information about the Wari civilization that dates back to between 600 and 1100 AD, Ochatoma said. 

Source: AFP [July 01, 2012]