Archaeologists discover tomb with 38 skeletons and metal artifacts at Peru's Chan Chan

Archaeologists working at the ancient Chan Chan complex in northern Peru have uncovered a tomb containing the skeletal remains of 38 individuals along with a collection of gold and copper artifacts. The discovery, announced by the National Institute of Culture, was made during a systematic excavation of a previously unexplored sector of the former Chimú capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its adobe architecture and extensive pre‑Inca heritage.

The burial chamber, dated to the late 15th century, yielded a variety of ceremonial objects, including intricately worked gold pendants and copper tools, suggesting the interred were members of an elite group or a communal burial associated with a significant ritual. Researchers plan to conduct further analysis of the human remains and metalwork to better understand social hierarchy, trade networks, and mortuary practices within the Chimú civilization, offering new insights into the cultural complexity of pre‑colonial Peru.