History Channel: Ancient Mysteries - Blood and Treasure in Peru

In 1987, the art market was flooded with exquisite ancient artifacts made of solid gold and silver. Art historians identified the treasures as belonging to the Moche, a pre-Colombian civilization in Peru, but were unable to locate their source. Where were these astonishing artifacts coming from? Soon, looters provided the startling answer: a grave robbery near the small village of Sipan, Peru. The confession led to the discovery of the Royal Tombs of Sipan - the richest burial site ever found in the Western Hemisphere which had remained hidden for centuries amidst eroded pyramids just outside of Sipan. BLOOD AND TREASURE IN PERU narrates the incredible story of the tombs and their unearthing, from the first pilfered artifacts to current excavations of the stunning crypts. Join ANCIENT MYSTERIES® for a dramatic saga of treasure-hunting, grave-robbing, and, ultimately, some of the ancient world's most dazzling remains.

This episode of A&E's ANCIENT MYSTERIES series explores the ruins at Sipan, Peru, site of a pre-Columbian civilization whose existence was discovered only after priceless artifacts stolen from the area began appearing on the art market in 1987.