Archaeologists have revealed the discovery of an ancient city named Peñico, located in the northern Barranca province of Peru, believed to date back 3,500 years. This city is thought to have functioned as a crucial trading hub, linking early Pacific coast communities with those residing in the Andean highlands and the Amazon basin. Positioned approximately 200 kilometers north of Lima, the site is about 600 meters (1,970 feet) above sea level and is estimated to have been founded between 1,800 and 1,500 BC, coinciding with the growth of early civilizations in the Middle East and Asia.
Recent findings at the site include a circular structure at its center, as revealed through drone footage, along with the remnants of stone and mud buildings. Over eight years of research uncovered 18 structures, such as ceremonial temples and residential complexes. Inside these buildings, researchers found ceremonial artifacts, clay sculptures depicting human and animal figures, and intricate necklaces crafted from beads and seashells.
The site of Peñico is located near Caral, recognized as the oldest known civilization in the Americas, which emerged around 5,000 years ago in the Supe Valley of Peru. Caral is noted for its 32 monuments, including large pyramids, advanced irrigation systems, and organized urban settlements. This civilization is understood to have developed in considerable isolation compared to other early civilizations in places like India, Egypt, Sumeria, and China.
Dr. Ruth Shady, who led the Peñico excavation and previously excavated Caral in the 1990s, emphasized the importance of this discovery for understanding the fate of the Caral civilization, which faced challenges due to climate change. She noted that Peñico's location was strategically significant for trade and interaction with coastal, highland, and jungle societies.
During a press conference discussing the findings, Marco Machacuay, an archaeologist affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, highlighted Peñico's value as a continuation of the Caral society. Peru is known for its wealth of significant archaeological sites, such as the Inca citadel Machu Picchu in the Andes and the enigmatic Nazca Lines etched into the central coastal desert.
