Relics discovered at Peru's Machu Picchu

Archaeologists have discovered a variety of ancient artefacts at Peru's main ruins of Machu Picchu, according to reports.

Experts from Cusco's Office of Regional Culture found a ceremonial pot, carved stones, anthropomorphic clay jugs, 10 malachite beads, and a bronze clamp measuring 1.5 to three centimetres.

The relics are believed to belong to the Chimu culture and could date back more than a thousand years to 1000 AD.

The items were found buried 70 centimetres underneath a three-walled patio, known as "wayrana" in the Quechua language, at Machu Picchu's Temple of the Condor.

Archaeologists said: "The relics date from the era of Inca ruler Pachacutec, who governed between the years 1438 and 1470 AD," before adding that traces of the Chimu culture stretch back to between 1000 and 1200 AD.

Researchers will continue to study the origins of the artefacts at the Machu Picchu Museum, which is located at the entrance of the famous Unesco World Heritage site.