Local sources from Peru: Animal Politico, Canal26.
UK coverage: BBC.
In a groundbreaking archaeological find, researchers in Peru have uncovered a city believed to be 3,500 years old, situated near the site of Caral, the oldest civilization in the Americas. This ancient city, named Peñico, features a complex of 18 structures, including ceremonial temples and residential complexes, and has yielded a wealth of ceremonial objects and clay sculptures. The discovery, spearheaded by Dr. Ruth Shady, who previously led excavations in Caral in the 1990s, marks a significant step in understanding the post-climatic change era following the decline of the Caral civilization. Peñico’s strategic position suggests it served as a pivotal trade center, linking early communities from the Pacific coast with those in the Andes mountains and the Amazon basin. Located approximately 200 km north of Lima and 600 meters above sea level, Peñico was founded between 1800 and 1500 BC, a timeline that aligns with the emergence of early civilizations in the Near East and Asia. The site, scheduled to open to the public on July 12th, reveals its past through drone imagery and eight years of meticulous research. Artifacts recovered include ceremonial items, sculptures of humans and animals, and intricately designed necklaces, highlighting the city’s importance in administrative and ideological activities. This discovery not only provides insight into the complexity of trade and social structures in ancient Peru but also confirms the continuation of the Caral society, as noted by archaeologist Marco Machacuay. Additionally, a new pyramidal building, believed to be part of the Caral civilization, was recently unearthed in the Supe Valley, near the pre-Hispanic city of Caral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This 5,000-year-old structure, located in the urban center of Chupacigarro, contemporary to Caral, underscores the architectural and urban complexities of the area. Led by Dr. Ruth Shady, this find further enhances our understanding of the Chupacigarro urban center’s role within the broader Caral civilization. Peru, with its rich archaeological heritage, including the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu and the mysterious Nazca Lines, continues to unveil its historical significance in the Americas.
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