Archaeologists in Peru have uncovered a 3,500-year-old ancient city, shedding light on one of the oldest civilizations in the Americas. The site, named Peñico, is located in the Barranca province, about 200 kilometers north of Lima and 600 meters above sea level.
A Strategic Trade Hub in Ancient Peru
Experts believe Peñico played a key role as a trading center between early Pacific coastal communities and societies living in the Andes Mountains and Amazon Basin. Founded between 1800 and 1500 BC, the city flourished during a period when great civilizations were also emerging in the Middle East and Asia.
Archaeological Findings: Temples, Residences, and Ritual Artifacts
Over eight years of excavation, researchers uncovered 18 structures, including ceremonial temples and residential buildings. Drone footage reveals a circular structure at the city’s heart, surrounded by stone and adobe constructions — evidence of a complex and organized society.
Among the artifacts found were ceremonial objects, clay sculptures of humans and animals, and necklaces made from beads and seashells, pointing to both artistic expression and spiritual rituals.
A Link to the Caral Civilization
Peñico lies close to Caral, recognized as the oldest known civilization in the Americas, dating back to around 3000 BC. Caral featured monumental pyramids, sophisticated irrigation systems, and organized urban life. Archaeologists believe Peñico represents a cultural continuation of Caral, helping to fill in historical gaps about what happened after Caral’s decline, likely caused by climate change.
Dr. Ruth Shady, who led the excavation and also directed the Caral project in the 1990s, emphasized Peñico’s importance: “This site was strategically located for trade and cultural exchange between the coast, the highlands, and the jungle.”
Peru: A Treasure Trove of Ancient Civilizations
This discovery adds to Peru’s impressive list of archaeological wonders, which already includes Machu Picchu, the Nazca Lines, and numerous Inca and pre-Inca sites. The Peñico discovery offers a new perspective on early Andean civilizations and their regional influence thousands of years ago.
Cover Image credit: Reuters
