'Colonial-era mass grave' found in Potosi, Bolivia

27 July 2014 Last updated at 01:17 ET
'Colonial-era mass grave' found in Potosi, Bolivia

A grave containing at least 400 people has been unearthed in the Bolivian city of Potosi, with the remains thought to be those of colonial-era miners.

The grave was found by workers carrying out excavations for the construction of a new building.

The mine at Potosi became the world's biggest after silver was discovered there by the Spanish in 1545.

African and indigenous slaves worked the mines - it is estimated as many as eight million may have died.

The mines at Potosi were a source of huge riches for Spain until the end of colonial rule in the 19th Century.

More:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-28508389