Mysterious Pyramid Complex Discovered in Peru

February 28, 2008

More interesting news in the world of archaeology from National Geographic.

The remnants of at least ten pyramids have been discovered on the coast of Peru, marking what could be a vast ceremonial site of an ancient, little-known culture, archaeologists say.

In January construction crews working in the province of Piura discovered several truncated pyramids and a large adobe platform (see map). Officials from Peru’s National Institute of Culture (INC) were dispatched to inspect the discovery.

It was  announced that the complex, which is 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) long and 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) wide, belonged to the ancient Vicús culture and was likely either a religious center or a cemetery for nobility.

The Vicús was a pre-Hispanic civilization that flourished in Peru’s northern coastal desert from 200 B.C to 300 A.D. and is known for its decorated ceramics.

Experts say little is known about the culture, because its sites have been heavily looted over the years.

“We found several partial pyramids, at least ten,” said César Santos Sánchez, chief archaeologist for INC’s Piura division.

“We also found a large adobe platform that we speculate could have been used for burial rituals. But we cannot know without further testing.”

More here.