07.07.2025 12:10
An ancient city called Peñico, dating back 3,500 years, has been discovered in the Barranca region of northern Peru. Archaeologists believe that this city was used as a trade center thousands of years ago and served as a place that connected cultures along the Pacific coast with communities in the Andes Mountains and the Amazon Rainforest.
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An ancient city dating back 3,500 years has been discovered in the Barranca region of northern Peru. The name of this city is Peñico, and according to archaeologists, it was used as a trade center thousands of years ago.
Peñico is believed to have been a place that connected cultures on the Pacific coast with communities in the Andes Mountains and the Amazon Rainforest. Temples, living spaces, and circular structures built on a hillside have been found in the area. These structures were constructed from stone and adobe and are located 600 meters above sea level.
Notably, on the walls of a square, relief sculptures and depictions of a shell instrument called a pututu, which could be heard from long distances, draw attention. Other structures contained clay sculptures of human and animal figures, ceremonial items, and necklaces made from seashells.
According to research, Peñico was at its peak between 1800-1500 BC. This period coincides with the early civilizations in Mesopotamia and Asia.
Another significant aspect of this discovery is that Peñico is very close to Caral, the oldest civilization on the American continent. Caral developed 5,000 years ago and thrived in the same period as civilizations like Egypt, India, and China, but developed in complete isolation.
Ruth Shady, the archaeologist leading the research team, stated that Peñico represents a new culture that emerged after the Caral civilization disappeared. Shady said, "This city was the center of trade between coastal, mountain, and forest societies."
Marco Machacuay, an archaeologist from the Ministry of Culture, noted that Peñico is a continuation of the Caral society.
Peru is a country rich in ancient civilizations. It is home to world-famous archaeological sites such as Machu Picchu and the Nazca Lines.
The Attack on the Historical Site with Spray Paint Draws Reaction
In May, a man drew an obscene shape with black spray paint on the wall of the UNESCO-protected ancient city of Chan Chan in Peru. The incident was captured on security cameras.
The attacker was seen drawing a large sexual organ shape on the 600-year-old historical wall. This incident received significant backlash on social media.
The Ministry of Culture stated that this act is a great disrespect to historical and cultural heritage and condemned the attack strongly. The attacker has not yet been caught, but if apprehended, he could face up to 6 years in prison.
Chan Chan was the capital of the Chimu Kingdom before the Incas. With a population of 30,000, Chan Chan is considered the largest adobe city in the world. It contains temples, houses, and storages, with walls adorned with intricate decorations.
Machu Picchu, Caral, and Chan Chan are among Peru's most important archaeological treasures.
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