Caral Shicra Pyramid Amphitheatre
Caral Shicra Pyramid Amphitheatre North Annex · Caral Site
Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent·Old Kingdom·🇵🇪 Lima, Caral Shicra, Peru
About
About Caral Shicra Pyramid Amphitheatre
Caral Shicra Pyramid Amphitheatre in Lima, Caral Shicra, Peru is a Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent pyramid attributed to Old Kingdom. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal base 95 × 95 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at -10.8930N 77.5220E controls access to Lima resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey pyramid for Lima, Caral Shicra, illustrating Old Kingdom construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Construction logistics and labour organisation
- 02Astronomical orientation method
Theories
- 01Royal tomb with cult temple axis
- 02Experimental step before true pyramid
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. 2600–2500 BCE
- Period
- Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent
- Culture
- Old Kingdom
- Purpose
- Royal tomb and ceremonial platform embodying cosmology
- Rediscovered
- 1996 survey
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 2600–2500 BCE
Initial construction of Caral Shicra Pyramid Amphitheatre main structure
c. 1936
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1996–2011
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Caral Shicra Pyramid Amphitheatre) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
10.8930° S · 77.5220° E · 332 m · 4 mapped features
Caral Shicra Pyramid Amphitheatre — Main Structure
structurePrincipal pyramid — Base 95 × 95 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
10.8922° S · 77.5229° ECaral Shicra Pyramid Amphitheatre — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
10.8940° S · 77.5213° ECaral Shicra Pyramid Amphitheatre — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
10.8915° S · 77.5232° ECaral Shicra Pyramid Amphitheatre — Hydraulic/Cistern
hydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site
10.8946° S · 77.5209° E