Caral, Archaeological site in Barranca Province, Peru
Caral is an archaeological site in Barranca Province, Peru, covering 66 hectares across the Supe Valley at 350 meters elevation (1150 feet). The complex contains six monumental stone platform mounds arranged around central plazas.
The settlement was founded around 2600 BC and is considered the oldest known urban center in the Americas. It developed at the same time as ancient civilizations in Egypt and Mesopotamia.
During excavations, archaeologists uncovered 32 flutes made from condor and pelican bones along with the oldest known quipu, revealing the community's musical practices and record-keeping methods. These finds show how the people used crafted instruments for ceremonies and developed their own system for recording information.
The site lies 182 kilometers (113 miles) north of Lima and can be reached through the city of Barranca, from where a route accessible throughout the year continues. Visitors should bring plenty of water and sun protection, as the grounds are extensive and shade is limited.
The layout divides into upper and lower sections and contains pyramidal structures with no evidence of military fortifications. This arrangement suggests the society placed its focus on trade and exchange rather than warfare.
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