Ancient city ruins found in northern Peru

The ruins of an entire city that could provide the missing link between two ancient cultures have been found in northern Peru.

Archaeologists believe the city, at the Cerro Patapo site, could provide a connection between the Wari and Moche cultures. The site, 14 miles from the city of Chiclayo on the Pacific coast, dates back to the Wari culture, which existed between about 600 AD and 1100 AD. The Moche culture flourished from about 100 AD to 600 AD.

The huge site, which stretches over three miles, shows evidence of human sacrifice, with special sites for the practice and the remains of the victims found at the bottom of a nearby cliff. Researchers have also found ceramics, pieces of clothing and the well-preserved remains of a young woman.

"It provides the missing link, because it explains how the Wari people allowed for the continuation of culture after the Moche," said Cesar Soriano, chief archeologist on the project.

It is the first such evidence of Wari culture, whose people made their capital near modern-day Ayacucho, in the Andes, but travelled widely and are known for their extensive network of roads.