Gas workers uncover 1,000-year-old mummy in Peru

Gas workers uncover 1,000-year-old mummy in Peru

Lima, a city with over 10 million inhabitants, is home to more than500 archaeological sites

A crew of workers accidentally discovered a mummy more than 1,000 years old while installing gas pipes in Peru's capital Lima, their employer and archaeologists said Thursday.

The mummy was found last week in a tomb underneath a street north of Lima, said archaeologist Jesus Bahamonde.

The mummy was covered in a shroud in a seated position, arms and legs bent.

Pottery was also found in the tomb which was dated to the pre-Inca Chancay civilization that lived around the Lima region between the 11th and 15th centuries. 

It was believed to be part of a large, ancient cemetery. 

Lima, a city with over 10 million inhabitants, also houses more than 500 archaeological sites. 

Gas company Calidda has reported more than 2,200 chance archaeological discoveries since 2004.

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Originally published as Gas workers uncover 1,000-year-old mummy in Peru