Archaeologists have unveiled an ancient city in northern Peru's Barranca province, believed to date back 3,500 years. Named Peñico, this city is thought to have been a vital trading hub that interconnected early coastal communities with populations in the Andes and Amazon regions. Situated 200 kilometers north of Lima at an elevation of about 600 meters, Peñico is believed to have been established between 1,800 and 1,500 BC, around the same period when early civilizations flourished across the globe including in the Middle East and Asia.
Recent drone footage reveals a circular structure at the heart of the site, surrounded by remains of stone and mud structures. Following eight years of exploration, researchers have found 18 structures at the site, consisting of ceremonial temples and residential complexes. Among the artifacts uncovered are ceremonial objects, clay sculptures representing humans and animals, as well as necklaces crafted from beads and seashells.
Peñico lies close to the historical site of Caral, which is recognized as the oldest civilization in the Americas, emerging 5,000 years ago around 3,000 BC in the Supe Valley. Caral is noted for its 32 monuments, including large pyramids, advanced agricultural techniques, and urban settlements. It is believed that these civilizations evolved in relative isolation compared to their early counterparts in India, Egypt, and other regions.
Dr. Ruth Shady, the archaeologist who previously excavated Caral in the 1990s, emphasized the importance of this new discovery in understanding the fate of the Caral civilization, especially following disruptions caused by climate change. The Peñico community's strategic location facilitated trade with societies across the coast, highlands, and jungle, as explained by Dr. Shady in a conversation with Reuters.
During a news conference to present these findings, archaeologist Marco Machacuay from the Ministry of Culture highlighted Peñico's significance as a continuation of Caral’s legacy. Peru’s rich history is home to various archaeological treasures, including the renowned Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and the enigmatic Nazca Lines etched into its desert landscapes.
