Peruvian developers accused of destroying 4,000 year-old pyramids
Skift Take
Although tourism traffic inflicts a significant amount of wear and tear on historic ruins, there's a clear long-term incentive for most people not to destroy the artifacts on display.
An official of Peru's Cultural Patrimony Ministry says two real estate development companies have destroyed a pyramid at the oldest archaeological site near the country's capital.
Deputy Minister Rafael Varon says the companies used heavy equipment to tear down a 6-meter (20-foot) tall pyramid at the ruins of El Paraiso, a few miles (kilometers) north of Lima.
He said Wednesday his agency has lodged criminal complaints against the two companies for the weekend's damage.
Peru's tourism ministry says El Paraiso was built some 4,000 years ago, long before the rise of the Inca culture.
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