Discovering a Lost Civilization
Hidden in the arid deserts of Peru, overlooking the lush Supe River valley, lies the Sacred City of Caral-Supe, a 5,000-year-old ancient heritage discovered in 1948. This site is reshaping our understanding of early civilizations in the Americas.
A Cradle of New World Culture
Caral-Supe, dating back to around 2600 BC, is one of the earliest and most sophisticated urban centers in the Western Hemisphere. This complex includes pyramids and sunken circular courts.
Pyramids Comparable to Egypt
At the heart of Caral-Supe is the Pirámide Mayor, a massive structure nearly 100 feet tall, with an area equivalent to four football fields. Radiocarbon dating shows it was built around the same time as the Step Pyramid of Saqqara in Egypt, making it one of the oldest pyramids in the world.
A Peaceful Society Based on Trade
Unlike many ancient sites, Caral shows no signs of warfare, indicating that this society focused on trade and cultural development. The discovery of quipus, an ancient record-keeping system later used by the Incas, highlights Caral’s influence on subsequent Andean cultures.
A Preserved Legacy
In 2009, UNESCO recognized Caral-Supe as a World Heritage Site. Its architecture and urban planning provide valuable insights into Late Archaic societies and their impact on later Andean civilizations.
Redefining American History
The Sacred City of Caral-Supe and the surrounding Norte Chico region are prompting archaeologists to reconsider the timeline of civilization in the Americas. This advanced society thrived over 4,000 years before the rise of the Incan Empire, challenging current understandings of ancient American cultures.
As excavations continue, Caral-Supe stands as a testament to the ingenuity and complexity of ancient American civilizations, inviting us to explore the remarkable achievements of our distant ancestors.
