Latest news with #PeñicoRaymi
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Lost and found: Peru unveils sacred city of Caral hidden for nearly 4,000 years
The site of Caral, one of Peru's most important archaeological areas, has a new jewel in its crown after eight years of excavations, intense research and conservation work. It is called Peñico, and experts consider it to be a "city of social integration" because of its strategic location, which connected the populations of the Supe and Huaura valleys, but also because of the large number of homes, public buildings and ceremonial spaces it housed. On Saturday 12 July, the Caral Archaeological Zone will organise the first Peñico Raymi, a replica of a traditional Andean festival, to inaugurate the new archaeological site. Although the Caral culture developed mainly between 3000 and 1800 BC (which, given its antiquity, places it in a society with a development and chronology comparable to Ancient Egypt), it's understood the city of Peñico began to develop a little later, around 1800 and 1500 BC. The Caral are considered the oldest of the pre-Hispanic civilisations in the Americans, which went into steep decline around 1800 BC. It is possible that the prestige achieved by Peñico society in the valley, coupled with its role as a hub in the exchange network, was linked to the extraction and circulation of hematite. This mineral, used to make a red pigment, had great symbolic importance within Andean cosmology. Among the 18 constructions discovered during the excavations and now on display to the public, a ceremonial hall stands out: "We don't know its exact limits," explained Mauro Ordóñez, head of the Penico archaeological site. "This building continues to extend from east to west. The most interesting thing is the composition of several antechambers: one of them stands out for having on its sides the representation, in friezes, of pututus". Pututus are objects also known as churus (the Quechua word for a mollusc, shell or snail). They are wind instruments originally made from a seashell that was large enough to emit a powerful sound. Ordóñez considers this to be evidence of close relations with other pre-Columbian groups in northern Peru. The sacred city of Caral-Supe, located less than 200 kilometres north of Lima, the Peruvian capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Peñico, in particular, was built 600 metres above sea level on a geological terrace parallel to the Supe River and surrounded by hills that reach a height of 1,000 metres. Its Caralan builders chose this strategic location for multiple purposes: to enhance the monumentality of their buildings, to protect themselves from floods or landslides and, as evidenced by findings such as the representation of musical instruments, and to promote interaction and exchange with other civilisations.
Euronews
4 days ago
- Science
- Euronews
Peru opens to public ancient city lost for more than 3,800 years
The site of Caral, one of Peru's most important archaeological areas, has a new jewel in its crown after eight years of excavations, intense research and conservation work. It is called Peñico, and experts consider it to be a "city of social integration" because of its strategic location, which connected the populations of the Supe and Huaura valleys, but also because of the large number of homes, public buildings and ceremonial spaces it housed. On Saturday 12 July, the Caral Archaeological Zone will organise the first Peñico Raymi, a replica of a traditional Andean festival, to inaugurate the new archaeological site. Although the Caral culture developed mainly between 3000 and 1800 BC (which, given its antiquity, places it in a society with a development and chronology comparable to Ancient Egypt), it's understood the city of Peñico began to develop a little later, around 1800 and 1500 BC. The Caral are considered the oldest of the pre-Hispanic civilisations in the Americans, which went into steep decline around 1800 BC. It is possible that the prestige achieved by Peñico society in the valley, coupled with its role as a hub in the exchange network, was linked to the extraction and circulation of hematite. This mineral, used to make a red pigment, had great symbolic importance within Andean cosmology. Among the 18 constructions discovered during the excavations and now on display to the public, a ceremonial hall stands out: "We don't know its exact limits," explained Mauro Ordóñez, head of the Penico archaeological site. "This building continues to extend from east to west. The most interesting thing is the composition of several antechambers: one of them stands out for having on its sides the representation, in friezes, of pututus". Pututus are objects also known as churus (the Quechua word for a mollusc, shell or snail). They are wind instruments originally made from a seashell that was large enough to emit a powerful sound. Ordóñez considers this to be evidence of close relations with other pre-Columbian groups in northern Peru. The sacred city of Caral-Supe, located less than 200 kilometres north of Lima, the Peruvian capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Peñico, in particular, was built 600 metres above sea level on a geological terrace parallel to the Supe River and surrounded by hills that reach a height of 1,000 metres. Its Caralan builders chose this strategic location for multiple purposes: to enhance the monumentality of their buildings, to protect themselves from floods or landslides and, as evidenced by findings such as the representation of musical instruments, and to promote interaction and exchangewith other civilisations.
Newsweek
7 days ago
- Newsweek
3,000-Year-Old Ancient City Discovered—And You Can Visit It
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. 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.
