Ancient 2,700-year-old "Tomb of the Serpent-Jaguar Priests" Discovered In Peru

Archaeologists working in northern Peru have discovered an intact 2,700-year-old tomb belonging to the high-altitude Pacopampa people.

The tomb contains as number of fascinating artifacts, along with the bodies of two individuals thought to be high priests.


The discovery was made by a combined team of Peruvian and Japanese researchers at a site in the Cajamarca region, some 500 miles (800 km) north of Lima.

The surprisingly intact tomb is now being called the “Tomb of the Serpent-Jaguar Priests” on account of a ceramic vessel found at the site featuring a serpent with a jaguar’s head. The item was found next to one of the bodies.