6 days ago
3,000-Year-Old Ancient City Discovered—And You Can Visit It
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An ancient city has been unveiled by archaeologists in Peru. Located in the Huaura province, Peñico has opened to the public after nearly a decade of excavation and conservation efforts.
Newsweek has contacted the Peruvian Ministry of Culture for comment via email.
Why It Matters
Ancient cities and cultures are a subject of fascination all over the world. Peru was home to a number of cultures in the ancient and medieval periods including the Inca Empire. Peru sees between 3 million and 5 million tourists visit each year, according to Road Genius, and it is home to the ancient Inca citadel, Machu Picchu.
Image of Penico, from the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.
Image of Penico, from the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.
Peruvian Ministry of Culture
What To Know
Peñico is more than 3800 years old and was originally an urban center of social integration in the ancient world, linking coastal communities, according to a press release from the Peruvian Ministry of Culture. It was built about 2,000 feet above sea level.
Research in the area has been conducted over a period of eight years. At a press conference held by Dr. Ruth Shady, director of the Caral Archaeological Zone, on July 3, the results of the research were unveiled.
Image of Penico, from the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.
Image of Penico, from the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.
Peruvian Ministry of Culture
Eighteen structures have been identified in Peñico, including what the press release described as "major" and "minor" public buildings.
One includes a public building, which is known as B1-B2. Here, archaeologists uncovered clay sculptures, conch shell trumpets and ceremonial tools. The trumpet had a crucial function in society, the press release said, used "to convene meetings, announce important events and be considered as a symbol of social importance."
The site is now open to tourists. It includes walking routes through the ruins, a modern interpretation center and reception areas.
A traditional Andean festival called the Peñico Raymi will be held on July 12. The event will involve a "ceremony of payment to Pachamama," and "a recognition of the local population for their identification with cultural heritage and an artistic festival," according to a press release.
What People Are Saying
Archaeologist Shady Solís, in a press release: "This urban center developed following the cultural tradition of the Caral... Due to its strategic location, it connected coastal and mountain towns of Supe and Huaura, as well as those living in the Andean-Amazonian and the high Andean region."
What Happens Next
Peñico is about four and a half hours from Peru's capital city, Lima. It is open to the public Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
