Archaeologists in Peru have announced an important discovery at the site of Sipan, in the north of the country.

Walter Alva, head of the archaeological team, described the find as the grave of a general of the lord of Sipan, a king of the Moche culture.

The remains of the soldier, said to date back one thousand seven hundred years, were found with his suit of armour and some ninety jars containing offerings and valuable artefacts.

Sipan is considered the richest funerary site so far discovered in the western hemisphere, and the archaeologists said the latest find would help them understand many more details about the organization of Moche society.