Rain uncovers ancient cemetery in Nicaragua

[Judi Lynn]

Rain uncovers ancient cemetery in Nicaragua
Jun 8, 2010, 4:52 GMT

Managua, Nicaragua - Archeologists have discovered the remains of an indigenous cemetery dating back about 4,500 years on the island of Ometepe in southern Nicaragua, local media reported.

The discovery was made after heavy rains last week uncovered the remains, including five human skeletons, bone fragments and pieces of pottery, Ghitis Moises Rivera, director of the museum in Ceibo on the island, said Monday.

The finds date from '2,500 BC to 300 years later,' judging from the type of pottery found, he said.

Local authorities asked police to protect the site from grave robbers until the arrival of more archaeologists.

Valuable pre-Colombian artefacts had already been found on the island. Ometepe was settled by the Choroteca and Nahuatel people, who migrated to Central America from northern Mexico.

The volcanic island, which is located in the lake of Cocibolca, was added to UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves Wednesday.

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