14:07
Ancient citadel found in Lambayeque, northern Peru
-
|
Wari citadel discovered in Cerro Pátapo archaeological complex, Lambayeque. Photo: Andina/Silvia Depaz
|
|
|
|
-
Chiclayo, Dec. 14 (ANDINA).- An ancient stone citadel of the coastal Wari culture (600 AD) was discovered by a group of archaeologists working at the Cerro Pátapo archaeological complex, located 22 kilometers from the northern Peruvian city of Chiclayo, capital of Lambayeque region.
The stone citadel was discovered during routine maintenance work performed by archaeologists working on the Naylamp 111 project.
Based on preliminary studies, archaeologist Cesar Soriano Ríos said it is believed that an aristocratic society with great military power ruled the entire valley.
The citadel features small prison cells and special rooms where condemns were sacrificed and then thrown into the abyss.
The Wari was a Middle Horizon civilization that flourished in the Andes in the south of modern-day Peru, from about 500 to 900 A.D.
The capital city of the same name is located 25km north-east of the modern city of Ayacucho, Peru. This city was the center of a civilization that covered much of the highlands and coast of modern Peru.
Early on, their territory expanded to include the ancient oracle center of Pachacamac, though it seems to have remained largely autonomous. Later it expanded to include much of the territory of the earlier Moche and later Chimu cultures.
The best-preserved remnants of the Wari Culture exist near the town of Quinua at the Wari Ruins. Also well-known are the Wari ruins of Pikillaqta ("Flea Town") a short distance south-east of Cuzco en route to Lake Titicaca.
(END) LBH/AVC/EEP
-
|