Caral, Peru's oldest city

Caral, the oldest city in Peru

History

The holy city of Caral-Supe or simply Caral is an archaeological site where remains of the Caral city of the Caral civilisation have been found. It is located in the Supe Valley, near the present-day city of Caral, 182 kilometres north of Lima (Peru), 23 kilometres from the coast and 350 metres above sea level.

Said to be 5000 years old, Caral is the oldest city in Peru and one of the oldest in the world, as no other ancient monument has been found on this continent with a diverse and varied architecture. Ceremonies and administrative functions.

The Caral culture originated between 3000 and 1800 BC (Late Archaic and Lower Formative), i.e. it was contemporary with other primitive civilisations such as those of Egypt, India, Sumer and China. But unlike them (who exchanged their achievements), it developed in complete isolation. In America, it is the oldest of the pre-Hispanic civilisations, surpassing the Olmec civilisation by 1500 years. Another important centre of civilisation in Mesoamerica.

Closely related to the city of Caral was Áspero or El Áspero. It is located on the coast near the mouth of the Supe river. It is there that remains of human sacrifices have been found (two children and a newborn baby), and more recently (2016), of a woman, who presumably belonged to the local elite 4500 years ago. Other sites located in the Supe valley and which formed part of the core of the Caral civilisation are Miraya, Lurihuasi, Chupacigarro, Allpacoto.

Location

Caral is the oldest city in Peru. It is located in the area of Supe, in the district of Barranca. In the Department of Lima, 184 km north of the capital Lima and 23 km from the Pacific coast. In an area known as Norte Chico. To arrive to the archaeological site it is necessary to travel 184 km of the Pan-American North. Via the right margin of the river Supe; When arriving at the centre of Caral. You have to follow the road that leads to the tourist hotel up to the footbridge. From there you have to walk about 20 minutes to the reception area.

Seniority

The early years of prosperity of Caral, the oldest city in Peru, are confirmed by 146 radiocarbon dates from the United States. According to them, the age of Caral is about 5000 years, while in other countries of America, the construction of cities started 1500 years later (e.g. Monte Alban in Mesoamerica) 6 Therefore, the discovery of Caral was when it changed the plans that had been made. What followed until then, about the rise of ancient civilisations in Peru and the rest of America. At first, Chavín de Huántar was considered the oldest cultural site in Peru, no more than 3200 years old (1200 BC).

Further information