Archaeologists blame two building companies for destroying part of ancient pyramid in the Lima district of San Martin de Porres (Peru). The pyramid El Paraiso, located near the river Chillon, is one of the oldest structures constructed in the Americas, made up of 12 pyramids and covering over 64 hectares.
     Archaeologist Frederic Engel said in a report that El Paraiso could have held between 1500 and 3000 inhabitants and required over 100,000 tons of rock to construct, which was taken from the hills surrounding the structure, and was likely used for religious and ritual purposes. Evidence shows the culture living there was from the Late Pre-Ceramic Age (2000-3000 BCE). Despite its obvious importance to Peruvian culture, this pyramid was knocked down and later burned by several clandestine groups that entered the site recently.
     Archaeologist Marco Guillén Hugo was in charge of the research and excavation of this site said he had reason to believe two private building companies, Compañía y Promotora Provelanz E.I.R.L and Alisol S.A.C Ambas, were behind the destruction. "This isn't the first time they have tried to take over this land," Guillén said, "They say they are the owners, even though this land is untouchable."
     The Ministry of Culture has said that although the companies claim to own the land, it is actually under state control. The destruction of this pyramid, archeologists stated, was an irreparable loss for the culture and history of Peru.

Edited from Peru this Week (1 July 2013)