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Archaeologists uncover 600-year-old funerary platform containing 38 high-status individuals at the ancient city of Chan Chan

Archaeologists in Peru have discovered a well-preserved funerary platform at the ancient city of Chan Chan, dating back more than 600 years. Located within the Utzh An walled complex, the site was protected from historical looting by a compact mass of stone. The discovery includes a central chamber and two side chambers, housing the remains of 38 high-status individuals. Jorge Meneses Bartra leads the excavation team, which recovered a principal individual accompanied by shell, copper, and gold artifacts. One of the side chambers contained weapons and metal emblems, while the other held 20 buried individuals. The principal individual's remains were found in an extended position, differing from typical ChimĂș burials. The platform belongs to the ChimĂș civilization, which flourished on Peru's northern coast between AD 900 and 1470. The discovery provides scientific data on elite burials that was previously only available through looted platforms and private collections. Laboratory analysis will determine the scientific relationship between the individuals and their corresponding artifacts.

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