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

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 –

Alexandre Tonéu

by Alexandre Tonéu

44 Angles, by Alexandre Tonéu

44 Angles, by Alexandre Tonéu

Map

Map

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Comments (5)

  1. Ginger Marie says:

    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.

  2. Miguel Vera says:

    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?

  3. Stuart Starrs says:

    Miguel, Torontoy is a separate citadel between Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo, but within the Machu Picchu sanctuary.

  4. Miguel Vera says:

    Ah, somehow I missed it in the map. Thanks Stuart.

  5. [...] Travel along the Inca trail allows visitors to find the well known tunki, regarded as one of Peru’s national birds. Similarly, the royal churrete, only found in this region 3,600 meters above sea level can be see around Torontoy. [...]

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