Peru’s Deputy Cultural Minister Rafael Varon has announced the discovery of a 5,000-year-old temple in Lima.  The temple was found at the archeological site of El Paraiso near the main pyramid during a digging exploration.

Archaeologists are excited about the find because it will confirm that Lima, Peru was the center of civilization for the Andean people.  In addition, once the age of the temple is confirmed, it will be one of the oldest ancient structures in the world.

The temple measures 22 feet high by 26 feet wide and can only be accessed via an 18 inch opening.  The El Paraiso archaeological site is near the capital city of Lima, dates back from 2,000 to 1,400 B.C. in the district of San Martin de Porres.

The fabled Inca Empire emerged from the ancient Andean civilization in Peru.