In Peru, archaeologists find dozens of mummies around ancient ceremonial site

Archaeologists have excavated seven tombs holding at least 171 mummies in the Cotahuasi Valley in Peru, and there are dozens more to explore.

The tombs were discovered around a ceremonial site that dates back 1,200 years. Researchers found that before rigor mortis set in, the mummies had their knees moved up to shoulder level and their arms were folded across their chest. They were bound by rope and then covered in layers of textiles, and infant mummies were placed in jars.

The mummies are not in the best condition, due to water damage and rodents, and some were purposely broken, with bones scattered around the tombs. In one area, 400 single remains, including several feet, hands, and teeth, were discovered, and researchers are trying to get to the bottom of why this took place. "In the Andes, death is a process, it's not as if you bury someone and you're done," archaeologist Justin Jennings told Live Science.

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