Caral-Supe

Why it mattersSacred City of Caral-Supe UNESCO 2009; 6 major pyramids, Mesita houses, quipu earliest, no ceramics, cotton and anchovy economy, 32 radiocarbon dates.

Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.

Built

c.2600 BCE

Period

Late Archaic (2600 – 2000 BCE)

Culture

Caral-Supe (Norte Chico)

Builders

Norte Chico

Purpose

Oldest city in Americas – monumental urban capital with 6 pyramids and circular plazas

Excavation

Excavated

1. c.2600 BCE

   Initial construction / first occupation

2. c.500 CE

   Major refurbishment / second occupation phase

• Caral-Supe — Principal Monument

  pyramid

  Principal Monument at Caral-Supe – pyramid (Late Archaic (2600 – 2000 BCE)) – Sacred City of Caral-Supe UNESCO 2009; 6 major pyramids, Mes

  10.8926° S · 77.5193° W

• Caral-Supe — Ancillary Complex

  palace

  Ancillary Complex at Caral-Supe – palace (Late Archaic (2600 – 2000 BCE)) – Sacred City of Caral-Supe UNESCO 2009; 6 major pyramids, Mes

  10.8948° S · 77.5211° W

• Caral-Supe — Outlier Feature

  causeway

  Outlier Feature at Caral-Supe – causeway (Late Archaic (2600 – 2000 BCE)) – Sacred City of Caral-Supe UNESCO 2009; 6 major pyramids, Mes

  10.8916° S · 77.5188° W

• Caral-Supe — Reservoir/Cistern

  hydraulic

  Hydraulic feature at Caral-Supe – reservoir/cistern managing water in Lima

  10.8956° S · 77.5218° W