Necropolis Quay Ancient City
Moche (100–800 CE)·Moche·🇦🇷 Catamarca, Argentina
About
About Necropolis Quay Ancient City
Necropolis Quay Ancient City in Catamarca, Argentina is a Moche (100–800 CE) ancient city attributed to Moche culture. Systematically investigated through systematic survey and fieldwalking, it presents a fortified nucleus with hydraulic works. Construction employs dry-stone masonry and demonstrates craft specialization. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans verify location and chronology.
Why it mattersKey Moche ancient-city with stratified sequence and regional significance.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Ritual use and symbolic landscape
- 02Construction labor organization and logistics
Theories
- 01Centralized storage and redistribution (Cunliffe)
- 02Trading entrepôt and regional hub
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. 151 CE
- Period
- Moche (100–800 CE)
- Culture
- Moche
- Purpose
- Residential and craft production
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 151 CE
Initial construction and primary occupation
c. 321 CE
Major enlargement and wall circuit added
c. 508 CE
Peak occupation and regional prominence
2006
Scientific excavation and conservation
On the ground
Structures & features
28.4455° S · 68.3338° W · 190 m · 4 mapped features
Principal Monument
tombBurial zone — tumuli
28.4452° S · 68.3333° WShrine
moundBurial zone — tumuli
28.4480° S · 68.3351° WPrincipal Monument 3
courtyardPrimary ancient city at Necropolis Quay Ancient City — megalithic chamber
28.4470° S · 68.3361° WTemple Platform
stelaHydraulic feature — canal
28.4468° S · 68.3362° W