Ancient temple discovered in Peru: 01-04-2008
An ancient temple, once thought to house idols and mummies, has been discovered near an ancient Inca site in Peru.
The site was found near Sacsayhuaman, a stone fortress that was thought to have been built by a pre-Inca culture before the Inca occupied and expanded it.
But scientists now believe the tomb reveals that the fort, just outside Cusco, was not just used for military purposes.
"We believe that the temple we have found was used for ceremonial purposes," said Washington Camacho, director of the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park.
He said he was excited by the find but more investigation was needed.
According to National Geographic, the temple covers 2,700 square feet and contains 11 rooms which are though to have held idols and maybe mummies.
Funeral structures were found on the site as well as an enormous rocky formation that could have been used as a "sacred space".
Travellers visiting Peru will find many Inca sites to explore with the Inca trail being a popular route followed by visitors.