©AP Photo/Guadalupe Pardo
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- antiquity /an-TIK-wi-tee/
- scrutinize /SKROOT-n-ahyz/
- intermittent /in-ter-MIT-nt/
- palpable /PAL-puh-buhl/
- unprecedented /uhn-PRES-i-den-tid/
[noun] – the distant past, especially before the sixth century
Many old buildings in the city come from antiquity.
[verb] – to examine something very carefully in order to discover information
Scientists scrutinize the bones to learn about the past.
[adjective] – not happening regularly or continuously; stopping and starting repeatedly or with periods in between
Rain was intermittent during the whole week.
[adjective] – so obvious that it can easily be seen or known; noticeable
The excitement at the site was palpable.
[adjective] – never having happened or existed in the past
The discovery was unprecedented in the city’s history.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
On August 7, 2025, utility workers conducting excavation for underground gas lines in Lima, Peru, discovered two pre-Incan tombs. One of the tombs was empty, while the other contained human remains believed to be over 1,000 years old, along with four clay vessels and three artifacts made from pumpkin shells. This discovery occurred during infrastructure work by Cálidda, a gas distribution company. The find adds to the long list of archaeological remains found in the city. According to the Ministry of Culture, Lima has more than 400 historical sites dating from the Incan era and periods of antiquity. The reason for the discovery is Lima’s unique location, where ancient civilizations once thrived.
Archaeologist José Aliaga stated that the colors and patterns of the clay vessels—black, white, and red—help to scrutinize the cultural connection with the Chancay people, a group that lived 1,000 to 1,470 years ago. The individual was found in a sitting position with legs against the chest and wrapped in old fabric. Cleaning of the remains is ongoing. Experts emphasized that archaeological findings are intermittent but palpable along the Peruvian coast. Pieter Van Dalen from the College of Archaeologists explained that such tombs are often found in the area. The public viewed the site with interest, and the discovery was considered unprecedented, showing the importance of preserving historical sites during modern development.
Archaeologist José Aliaga stated that the colors and patterns of the clay vessels—black, white, and red—help to scrutinize the cultural connection with the Chancay people, a group that lived 1,000 to 1,470 years ago. The individual was found in a sitting position with legs against the chest and wrapped in old fabric. Cleaning of the remains is ongoing. Experts emphasized that archaeological findings are intermittent but palpable along the Peruvian coast. Pieter Van Dalen from the College of Archaeologists explained that such tombs are often found in the area. The public viewed the site with interest, and the discovery was considered unprecedented, showing the importance of preserving historical sites during modern development.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever visited a museum with ancient items? If so, what did you see? If not, would you like to go? Why or why not?
- Have you ever seen a real tomb or ruins? If so, where was it? If not, what place would you want to visit?
- Do you agree that ancient sites should be protected during construction? Why or why not?
- Why is it important to study ancient civilizations like the Chancay people?
- How can modern cities protect historical sites during development?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- underground
- remain
- culture
- individual
- discovery