Discovery of 3,500-Year-Old City in Peru Sheds Light on Ancient Trade

Archaeologists in Peru have uncovered Peñico, a 3,500-year-old city that likely served as a commercial link between the Pacific coast, the Andes, and the Amazon, according to Reuters. The site, located in the northern Barranca province, sits about 600 meters above sea level and features stone and mud structures, including temples and residential complexes. The revelations include clay figures, ceremonial objects, and decorative reliefs. This sheds new light on pre-Incan civilizations and their capabilities.

Peñico ancient city ruins in Peru

What’s new:
While the Caral civilization has been known as one of the earliest in the Americas, Peñico reveals a successor or related society that emerged after Caral’s decline because of climate pressures.

Why it matters:
The find enhances understanding of how early urban societies in Peru responded to environmental challenges and the extent of trade and cultural exchange before known empires. It may also revise timelines and models for the rise and collapse of early Andean civilizations.

Key details:

  • The city is named Peñico and is in the Barranca province, northern Peru.
  • Founded between 1800-1500 BC, making it about 3,500 years old.
  • Excavations uncovered around 18 structures, including ceremonial temples, residential complexes, and public plazas.
  • Notable artifacts include clay human/animal figures, seashell-necklaces, and reliefs of the pututu (conch shell trumpet).

Mini-FAQ

  • What is Peñico in this context?
    Peñico is an ancient urban centre in Peru, dating back to about 1800-1500 BC, that served as a hub for trade and cultural relations across diverse ecological zones.
  • Why does this matter for History / Archaeology?
    It provides evidence of complex society, trade networks, and environmental adaptation much earlier than previously understood, refining the history of early Andean civilizations.
  • What happens next?
    Ongoing archaeological work will aim to map more of the site, date more artifacts, and understand its political/social structure, perhaps clarify its link to Caral civilization. More public dissemination (academic papers, museum displays) is expected.
  • How does this affect Peru? (if used as region/angle)
    The discovery adds to national heritage, possibly boosting interest in archaeological and tourism sectors, and enriches Peru’s narrative of pre-Incan history as a world centre of early civilization.

Source & CTA:
Craving the full context? Dive into the original reporting at Reuterssee the full article here and explore the discovery in depth.


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