Archaeologist Jose Aliaga examines the area in Puente Piedra, on the edge of Lima, Peru, where city workers uncovered ancient human remains and artifacts linked to the pre-Inca Chancay culture. The discovery happened on Thursday, July 31, 2025, during the digging of a natural gas line. AP Photo
Utility workers digging to expand gas lines in Lima, Peru made an unexpected discovery. While opening trenches on Thursday, they found two ancient tombs. One of them was empty. But the second held something remarkable—human remains believed to be about 1,000 years old.
Alongside the body, workers found four clay pots and three pumpkin shell artifacts. Experts believe these items were buried with the person as part of ancient rituals.
Link to Pre-Incan Chancay Culture
Archaeologist José Aliaga confirmed the find belonged to the Chancay culture. This group lived in Peru before the Incas, between 1,000 to 1,470 years ago.
Aliaga explained the burial in detail. “The person was wrapped in a torn cloth,” he said. “They were sitting with their legs tucked into their chest.” His team is now carefully cleaning the remains for further study.
He added that the colors and symbols on the clay items—black, white, and red—match the style used by the Chancay people.
Not the First Time
The gas company involved in the excavation has made many such discoveries. Over the last 20 years, while working on Lima’s underground gas system, workers have uncovered more than 2,200 archaeological items.
This highlights how common ancient remains are in Lima. Aliaga said, “Almost every civil project in Lima uncovers something old.” He pointed out that this makes Lima special among Latin American cities.
Lima’s Rich Ancient Past
Today, Lima is home to 10 million people. But long before modern buildings rose, ancient civilizations lived there. According to Peru’s Ministry of Culture, the city has more than 400 archaeological sites. Some date back to the Inca Empire in the 15th century. Others go even further, into pre-Incan times.
Local Reactions to the Discovery
The recent find surprised and amazed locals. Many stopped to take pictures of the burial site with their phones.
Flor Prieto, a resident walking by with her young daughter, was amazed. “I always thought these paths were empty,” she said. “But now I know people older than the Incas lived here. It feels so exciting.”
Experts Confirm It's Not Unusual
Pieter Van Dalen, the dean of Peru’s College of Archaeologists, explained that the find is common for coastal Peru. He said tombs, burials, and even mummified bodies are often found in the area. Although he was not part of this dig, he wasn’t surprised by the discovery.
