Cleanup workers discovered an ancient pre-hispanic Inca altar at the Vilcanota River in the Cuzco region, south-eastern Peru.
The altar was believed to have been lost during major road work in the area four years ago, but as the workers cleared stones, sand and brush deposited by the river the discovery was made. The religious object measures about 2.5 metres in length and is 1 metre high. It also weights nearly 20 tons. The altar dates back to between 1200-1500 AD. The Cuzco area Culture Office is considering relocating the altar to the main square of Ollantaytambo, an Inca site and fortress on the so-called Inca Trail.
(after The Japan Times)