Atacama Giant Geoglyph Cerro Unitas Eastern Ridge
Formative (800 BCE–800 CE)·Formative–Classic geoglyph·🇨🇱 Tarapacá, Cerro Unitas, Chile
About
About Atacama Giant Geoglyph Cerro Unitas Eastern Ridge
Atacama Giant Geoglyph Cerro Unitas Eastern Ridge in Tarapacá, Cerro Unitas, Chile is a Formative (800 BCE–800 CE) geoglyph attributed to Formative–Classic geoglyph. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal figure 85 m long and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at -19.9490N -69.6330E controls access to Tarapacá resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey geoglyph for Tarapacá, Cerro Unitas, illustrating Formative–Classic geoglyph construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
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. 400 BCE–600 CE
- Period
- Formative (800 BCE–800 CE)
- Culture
- Formative–Classic geoglyph
- Purpose
- Ceremonial geoglyph field for ritual procession and territorial marking
- Rediscovered
- 1987 survey
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 400 BCE–600 CE
Initial construction of Atacama Giant Geoglyph Cerro Unitas Eastern Ridge main structure
c. 1927
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1987–2017
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Atacama Giant Geoglyph Cerro Unitas Eastern Ridge) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
19.9490° S · 69.6330° W · 269 m · 3 mapped features
Atacama Giant Geoglyph Cerro Unitas Eastern Ridge — Main Structure
structurePrincipal geoglyph — Figure 85 m long with diagnostic masonry/panel
19.9482° S · 69.6321° WAtacama Giant Geoglyph Cerro Unitas Eastern Ridge — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
19.9500° S · 69.6337° WAtacama Giant Geoglyph Cerro Unitas Eastern Ridge — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
19.9475° S · 69.6318° W