Archaeologists have revealed the remarkable discovery of Peñico, an ancient city located in Peru's northern Barranca province, which dates back 3,500 years. This city is considered a significant trading hub that facilitated connections among early communities along the Pacific coast, the Andes mountains, and the Amazon basin. Situated around 200 kilometers north of Lima at an elevation of about 600 meters (1,970 feet) above sea level, Peñico is estimated to have been founded between 1,800 and 1,500 BC. This timeline coincides with the flourishing of early civilizations in the Middle East and Asia.
Recent drone footage showcases the city's circular central structure, surrounded by the remnants of stone and mud buildings. Researchers have uncovered 18 structures at the site over the past eight years, including ceremonial temples and residential areas. Notable artifacts discovered within the buildings comprise ceremonial objects, clay sculptures depicting human and animal figures, and intricate necklaces crafted from beads and seashells.
Peñico lies close to the famed ancient city of Caral, acknowledged as the oldest known civilization in the Americas, dating back 5,000 years to approximately 3,000 BC in the Supe valley of Peru. Caral is notable for its 32 monuments, akin to large pyramids, advanced irrigation methods, and urban settlements, reportedly developing in isolation from early civilizations in regions such as India, Egypt, Sumeria, and China.
Dr. Ruth Shady, the leading archaeologist behind the Peñico discovery and the excavation of Caral in the 1990s, emphasized that this finding is crucial in understanding the fate of the Caral civilization, especially after it was severely impacted by climate change. According to Dr. Shady, Peñico was strategically located for trade and interaction with diverse societies from the coastal, highland, and jungle regions.
At a news conference held on Thursday to announce these exciting findings, archaeologist Marco Machacuay, affiliated with Peru's Ministry of Culture, highlighted Peñico's significant role as a continuation of Caral society. Peru continues to be a treasure trove of archaeological wonders, including global landmarks such as the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and the enigmatic Nazca Lines etched into the central coastal desert.
