Located in Peru's Barranca province, the newly discovered city Peñico dates back 3,500 years and serves as a critical link in understanding early civilizations in the Americas, particularly following the decline of the Caral civilization due to climate change.
Unveiling Peñico: The 3,500-Year-Old Trading Hub of Ancient Peru
Unveiling Peñico: The 3,500-Year-Old Trading Hub of Ancient Peru
Archaeologists have discovered the ancient city of Peñico in Peru, shedding light on early trade connections between coastal and inland civilizations.
In a groundbreaking revelation, archaeologists have unveiled the ancient city of Peñico in northern Peru, believed to be 3,500 years old. This discovery, situated in Barranca province, provides vital insights into trade dynamics between the Pacific coast civilizations and the iconic Andes mountain and Amazon basin communities. The site, positioned approximately 200 kilometers north of Lima at an altitude of around 600 metres (1,970 feet), dates back to between 1,800 and 1,500 BC—coinciding with the rise of early civilizations across the globe, including notable developments in the Middle East and Asia.
An aerial view of Peñico reveals a central circular structure, surrounded by ruins of stone and mud buildings that constitute the ancient settlement. Over the span of eight years, researchers unearthed 18 significant structures at the site, encompassing ceremonial temples and residential complexes. Noteworthy artifacts, such as ceremonial objects, intricate clay figures of humans and animals, and beautifully crafted necklaces made from beads and seashells, provide a glimpse into the cultural practices of its inhabitants.
The proximity of Peñico to the famed Caral civilization, which is recognized as the oldest civilization in the Americas, further enhances its historical significance. Established around 5,000 years ago in Peru's Supe valley, Caral features monumental structures including pyramids, sophisticated agricultural methods, and organized urban environments—developed largely in isolation from contemporary civilizations in Europe and Asia. Dr. Ruth Shady, the archaeologist who led the recent excavations, has emphasized the importance of Peñico in understanding the fate of Caral civilization, particularly its response to climate change that originally led to its decline.
According to Marco Machacuay, a researcher from the Ministry of Culture, Peñico serves not only as a historical site but also as a continuation of Caral’s cultural lineage, highlighting its role as a pivotal trade and exchange center among societies from the coast, highlands, and rainforest. This latest finding underscores Peru's reputation as a treasure trove for ancient archaeological discoveries, showcasing its rich history alongside renowned sites such as Machu Picchu and the enigmatic Nazca Lines.
An aerial view of Peñico reveals a central circular structure, surrounded by ruins of stone and mud buildings that constitute the ancient settlement. Over the span of eight years, researchers unearthed 18 significant structures at the site, encompassing ceremonial temples and residential complexes. Noteworthy artifacts, such as ceremonial objects, intricate clay figures of humans and animals, and beautifully crafted necklaces made from beads and seashells, provide a glimpse into the cultural practices of its inhabitants.
The proximity of Peñico to the famed Caral civilization, which is recognized as the oldest civilization in the Americas, further enhances its historical significance. Established around 5,000 years ago in Peru's Supe valley, Caral features monumental structures including pyramids, sophisticated agricultural methods, and organized urban environments—developed largely in isolation from contemporary civilizations in Europe and Asia. Dr. Ruth Shady, the archaeologist who led the recent excavations, has emphasized the importance of Peñico in understanding the fate of Caral civilization, particularly its response to climate change that originally led to its decline.
According to Marco Machacuay, a researcher from the Ministry of Culture, Peñico serves not only as a historical site but also as a continuation of Caral’s cultural lineage, highlighting its role as a pivotal trade and exchange center among societies from the coast, highlands, and rainforest. This latest finding underscores Peru's reputation as a treasure trove for ancient archaeological discoveries, showcasing its rich history alongside renowned sites such as Machu Picchu and the enigmatic Nazca Lines.
