Archaeologists have uncovered a 3,500-year-old lost city hidden deep within Peru that was once a buzzing hub.
The ancient city of Peñico was an early trading hub that once connected South America to the Andes regions.
However, the city was lost for thousands of years until it was discovered by a team of researchers who found a structure on a hill in the northern Barranca province of Peru.
From there, archaeologists found the remains of several mud and stone buildings which they estimate were built around 1,800 and 1,500 BCE.
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It’s thought that the ancient residents of Peñico were part of the Caral civilization, which is one of the oldest known civilizations in the Americas.
According to a report by the Independent, archaeologist Ruth Shady, who who led the excavation and is the director of the Caral Archaeological Zone, said: “This urban center was developed following the cultural tradition of Caral.”
She continued: “Peñico adds to the archaeological sites that can be visited under our management: the Sacred City of Caral, the fishing town of Áspero and the agricultural fishing city of Vichama. The public will also be able to get to know this city of integration.”
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Shady added: “They were situated in a strategic location for trade, for exchange with societies from the coast, the highlands and the jungle.”
Researchers have uncovered 18 structures so far which appear to have been strategically positioned to protect residents from elements such as flooding.
Among the finds includes a trumpet crafted from conch shells that would have been used to send sounds across long distances, as well as clay sculptures depicting people and animals.
The team also unearthed necklaces that had been made from beads and shells and other artifacts that indicate the civilization was rich in cultural practices.
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In a statement from Peru’s Ministry of Culture, it was also revealed that some of the buildings found include larger and minor public structures as well as residential complexes.
You can now visit the long-lost ancient city of Peñico for yourself
Now, the archaeological site is open to the public, which you can access by following the route used to find Caral.
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The opening of these 3,500 year old ruins to visitors will give people the chance to catch a glimpse of the remains of the ancient civilization
The site is just one of Peru’s long list of heritage locations which includes Machu Picchu in Cusco and the Nazca lines, which can be found in the coastal desert.