About
About Aspero
Aspero in Lima, Peru is a Late Archaic (3000 – 1800 BCE) ancient city attributed to Caral-Supe culture. Aspero (16 ha) maritime counterpart to Caral inland; 1973 Feldman then Shady excavation; 15 platforms, youngest mound dated 2490 BCE, anchovy and guano. Systematic excavation and published survey document stratified deposits, architectural phasing and georeferenced plans. Built c.3000 BCE; purpose: Maritime fishing capital of Caral-Supe polity with mound plazas facing sea. Significance includes multi-phase occupation and landscape setting at 15 m elevation.
Why it mattersAspero (16 ha) maritime counterpart to Caral inland; 1973 Feldman then Shady excavation; 15 platforms, youngest mound dated 2490 BCE, anchovy and guano.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing at Aspero
- 02Function and labor organization for ancient-city – ritual vs residential debate
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre model for Caral-Supe
- 02Territorial marker / elite residence hypothesis
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.3000 BCE
- Period
- Late Archaic (3000 – 1800 BCE)
- Culture
- Caral-Supe
- Builders
- Norte Chico coastal
- Purpose
- Maritime fishing capital of Caral-Supe polity with mound plazas facing sea
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.3000 BCE
Initial construction / first occupation
c.500 CE
Major refurbishment / second occupation phase
On the ground
Structures & features
10.8050° S · 77.7450° W · 15 m · 3 mapped features
Aspero — Principal Monument
pyramidPrincipal Monument at Aspero – pyramid (Late Archaic (3000 – 1800 BCE)) – Aspero (16 ha) maritime counterpart to Caral inland; 1973 Fe
10.8040° S · 77.7440° WAspero — Ancillary Complex
palaceAncillary Complex at Aspero – palace (Late Archaic (3000 – 1800 BCE)) – Aspero (16 ha) maritime counterpart to Caral inland; 1973 Fe
10.8062° S · 77.7458° WAspero — Outlier Feature
causewayOutlier Feature at Aspero – causeway (Late Archaic (3000 – 1800 BCE)) – Aspero (16 ha) maritime counterpart to Caral inland; 1973 Fe
10.8030° S · 77.7435° W