In a remarkable archaeological discovery, experts have unveiled an ancient city named Peñico in the Barranca province of northern Peru. This site, dating back 3,500 years, is believed to have functioned as a vital trading hub that facilitated exchanges between early Pacific coast communities and those inhabiting the Andes mountains and Amazon basin.
A significant historical find
Peñico is located approximately 200 kilometers north of Lima, situated at about 600 meters (1,970 feet) above sea level. Researchers estimate that the city was established between 1,800 and 1,500 BC, coinciding with the rise of early civilizations in regions such as the Middle East and Asia. This discovery offers crucial insights into the fate of the Caral civilization, recognized as the oldest known civilization in the Americas.
Excavations reveal rich cultural artifacts
Drone footage captured by the research team highlights a circular structure at the city’s center, surrounded by the remnants of various stone and mud buildings. Through eight years of extensive research, archaeologists have unearthed 18 significant structures, including ceremonial temples and residential complexes. Among the artifacts discovered at the site are ceremonial objects, clay sculptures depicting human and animal figures, as well as intricate necklaces crafted from beads and seashells.
“The Peñico community was situated in a strategic location for trade, for exchange with societies from the coast, the highlands and the jungle,”
Dr. Ruth Shady, the lead archaeologist on this project and a key figure in the excavation of Caral during the 1990s, emphasized the importance of these findings in understanding the aftermath of the Caral civilization, which suffered significant impacts due to climate change. During a recent news conference, Marco Machacuay, an archaeologist affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, noted that Peñico represents a continuation of the Caral society, highlighting its historical significance.
Peru is renowned for its rich archaeological heritage, which includes other significant sites such as the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and the enigmatic Nazca Lines, etched into the central coast’s desert landscape.