15:20 | Pampacolca (Arequipa region), Sep. 20.
Archaeologists found the vestiges of the largest Inca temple devoted to the worship of Apu Coropuna —a sacred spirit at much-venerated Coropuna Mountain.
The find was carried out by researchers from University of Warsaw (Poland) and Catolica Santa Maria University based in Arequipa (Peru).
Built over 1,440 years ago, the
Inca temple was found as part of the excavations and archaeological works conducted to restore the Maucallacta ceremonial center in Pampacolca district (
Arequipa region).
According to Maciej Sobczyk, head of Apu Coropuna Project, the temple also served as an accommodation facility for the Inca and the royal family.
The expert explained that the architecture and finish on the stones are a sign of the Inca influence on the structures.
Named Kallanka, the temple is a 60-meter-long and 10-meter-wide stone building with 5 doors.
The tests conducted on stones and layers of soil confirmed the age of the place (1,440 years old).
Clean-up and excavation works at the ancient site took about three months.
Located in the Maucallacta religious complex, the building was used by the Inca and his family to pay tribute to Apu Coropuna.
(END) RMC/MAO/RMB/MVB
Published: 9/20/2017