18:01 | Cusco, Sep. 05 (ANDINA).
Peruvian officials announced Wednesday that a ‘unique’ tomb was found on a hill within the Machu Picchu Archaeological Park in southeastern Peru.
Authorities said the tomb, which is cut from stones, and measures 1.20 meters long, by 0.75 meters wide, was found last week.
Fernando Astete, head of the Machu Picchu Archeological Park, said the tomb was highly unusual due to its placement on a hill, which likely signaled the grave belonged to a high-ranking member of the Inca Empire.
"It’s unique because all the tombs at Machu Picchu – those found by Hiram Bingham, and those we found ourselves – were walled up caves, made with stones of different sizes, and quantities, placed one above the other, and were then covered with mud," said Astete.
"This one is made with stones, and has been built high above," he was quoted as saying by website Peruthisweek.com.
However, the tomb, he said, is completely destroyed, and no bones, pottery or ornaments were found inside, meaning all items were likely stolen.
“We do not know at what time the tomb was raided,” he said, adding that people had pillaged tombs in Machu Picchu even before Bingham’s arrival.
The tomb, Astete said, would be examined by specialists, and would eventually be restored.
(END) INT/EEP
Published: 9/5/2012