Archaeologists have unveiled Peñico, a 3,500-year-old city in northern Peru, shedding light on the Caral civilization, the oldest known in the Americas.
Located in the Huaura province, approximately 120 miles north of Lima, Peñico was founded between 1800 and 1500 BCE, contemporaneous with early civilizations in the Middle East and Asia.
The city served as a vital trade hub connecting coastal, highland, and jungle communities. Strategically situated near the Sacred City of Caral-Supe, Peñico’s location facilitated exchange among diverse regions.
Over eight years of excavation, researchers uncovered 18 structures, including ceremonial temples and residential complexes.
Artifacts such as clay sculptures, ceremonial tools, and necklaces made from beads and seashells were found.
A central circular structure, possibly used for administrative or ceremonial purposes, was also identified.
Peñico’s discovery offers insights into the continuity of Andean civilizations following the decline of Caral, believed to be influenced by climate change.
The site is now open to the public, providing a unique opportunity to explore one of the oldest urban centers in the Americas.
