1,600-year-old mummies unearthed in Lima

LIMA: Archaeologists have unearthed four mummies that could be as old as 1,600 years, at ruins in Peru's capital that apparently hold a crypt of a prominent person for the ancient Wari people, researchers said Wednesday.

"The first elements were found a week ago as part of a funeral scene (tombs and mummies) of the Wari culture (500-1,000 AD) and a shroud was located with a well-preserved mummy next to three more shrouds," researcher Gladys Paz said in a statement.

"It is very likely that the bodies found inside were children who were placed there as an offering, and to accompany the prominent person," she added.

Also part of the scene, which included decorative textiles, were ceramic containers, reed baskets and corn stalks.

Lima people (100-650 AD) long ago lived on the spot in question, which was later overrun by the Wari people, who turned it into a burial ground.