Ancient tomb found in Torontoy, Machu Picchu
November 28, 2008
A team from Peru’s National Institute of Culture (INC) working on the ruins of Torontoy in the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, have discovered the tomb of an Inca with full funerary regalia. The gender and age of the tomb’s owner has not yet been determined, but found with the body were a number of decorated ceramics and two pins.
Burial site in Torontoy
The dig was taking place as part of the budgeted work for 2008 and was led by archaeologist Homar Gallegos Guitierrez. It is thought that the burial dates from the time of the founding of Torontoy, when the Incas first built the citadel in the kancha design of enclosed rectangular walls.
The remains and the objects discovered will be taken to Cusco for detailed analysis.
Photos of Torontoy –
by Alexandre Tonéu
44 Angles, by Alexandre Tonéu
Map
Comments (5)
I’ve just visited Egypt and I’m struck by the similarities of ancient Peru’s construction and burial techniques to Old Kingdom Egypt’s. I’m curious to know how and when these two cultures were in touch with each other.
I always thought that the various great civilizations were unique and distinct, but the more I see, the more I wonder. Thanks for the info and pictures and food for thought.
Very interesting, my family and me went to Cusco for the APEC weekend and I finally visited Machu Picchu. It’s awesome. I’m curious about this tomb though, I remember our guide telling us that tombs were never found in the citadel, I guess this would be the first one? Do you know anything about it?
Miguel, Torontoy is a separate citadel between Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo, but within the Machu Picchu sanctuary.
Ah, somehow I missed it in the map. Thanks Stuart.