Archaeology and Research in Peru
Archaeology and Research in Peru includes sites, cultures and ruins
Machu Picchu - Lost City of the Incas Photo Gallery
Machu Picchu is the most visited tourist destination in Peru, with good reason. The ruins stand atop a steep mountain overlooking the Urubamba river far below, and raise questions archaeologists and historians are still asking. The mystique and grandeur bring out the cameras.
Machu Picchu is the most visited tourist destination in Peru, with good reason. The ruins stand atop a steep mountain overlooking the Urubamba river far below, and raise questions archaeologists and historians are still asking. The mystique and grandeur bring out the cameras.
Sacsayhuaman Photo Gallery
Sacsayhuaman, also called Saqsaywaman, means Satisfied Falcon in Quechua. This huge fortress was created by the city planners of Cuzco, the capital of the Inca empire, to the head of the capital, with Cuzco as the body. This is the site of a portion of Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun.
Sacsayhuaman, also called Saqsaywaman, means Satisfied Falcon in Quechua. This huge fortress was created by the city planners of Cuzco, the capital of the Inca empire, to the head of the capital, with Cuzco as the body. This is the site of a portion of Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun.
A picture gallery of ceramics from the Osmore drainage
Pictures of Chiribaya style, Tumilaca style and Ilo-Cabuza style ceramics and pottery.
Pictures of Chiribaya style, Tumilaca style and Ilo-Cabuza style ceramics and pottery.
Archaeological Site in Peru Is Called Oldest City in Americas
Researchers investigating a long-ignored Peruvian archaeological site say they determined that it is the oldest city in the Americas.
Researchers investigating a long-ignored Peruvian archaeological site say they determined that it is the oldest city in the Americas.
Archaeology, Chavin de Huantar, Photographs, Peru
Click on a thumbnail for a larger image.
Click on a thumbnail for a larger image.
Bildagentur Geotop Bildarchiv - Archäologie - Peru - Machu Picchu
Click on a thumbnail for a larger image of Machu Picchu views.
Click on a thumbnail for a larger image of Machu Picchu views.
Bildagentur Geotop Bildarchiv - Archäologie - Peru - Silustani
Photos of Silustani - click for a larger image.
Photos of Silustani - click for a larger image.
Caral-Supe Projecto
Flash depiction of the oldest settlement in South America, with discussions of the origins, the art and architecture, agricultural significance and more data. In Spanish.
Flash depiction of the oldest settlement in South America, with discussions of the origins, the art and architecture, agricultural significance and more data. In Spanish.
Caral: Oldest City in the New World
Report of a conversation with Dr. Ruth Shady, discussing the findings at Caral-Supe, the "the emergence of urban life and complex agriculture in the New World occurred nearly a millennium earlier than previously believed."
Report of a conversation with Dr. Ruth Shady, discussing the findings at Caral-Supe, the "the emergence of urban life and complex agriculture in the New World occurred nearly a millennium earlier than previously believed."
Chavin
"Chavin is one of Peru's oldest civilizations and laid the cultural foundations of all later Peruvian civilizations. The Chavin culture started in a time period called the Early Horizon in about 400 BC, although many elements of the culture can be traced back about 1,000 years before its start."
"Chavin is one of Peru's oldest civilizations and laid the cultural foundations of all later Peruvian civilizations. The Chavin culture started in a time period called the Early Horizon in about 400 BC, although many elements of the culture can be traced back about 1,000 years before its start."
Chavin
"Chavín de Huántar is one of the earliest and best-known pre-Columbian sites with architecture that incorporates a complex of terraces and plazas surrounded by major platforms of dressed stone."
"Chavín de Huántar is one of the earliest and best-known pre-Columbian sites with architecture that incorporates a complex of terraces and plazas surrounded by major platforms of dressed stone."
Chiribaya Ware
"Chiribaya are a people that lived in the Osmore drainage in southern Peru. They lived in many small cities throughout the Osmore drainage basin from approximately 1000 AD to 1350 AD. The dates are still in discussion with radiocarbon dating going as early as 700 AD."
"Chiribaya are a people that lived in the Osmore drainage in southern Peru. They lived in many small cities throughout the Osmore drainage basin from approximately 1000 AD to 1350 AD. The dates are still in discussion with radiocarbon dating going as early as 700 AD."
City Occupied by Inca Discovered on Andean Peak in Peru
"High atop a mountain peak in the Andes of southeastern Peru, a group of explorers has discovered the ruins of a large settlement they think was occupied by the Inca in an early period of their rise to power."
"High atop a mountain peak in the Andes of southeastern Peru, a group of explorers has discovered the ruins of a large settlement they think was occupied by the Inca in an early period of their rise to power."
Civilization lost?
"If ever there were a spot commemorating the shifting fortunes of history, Caral is it. Set in a mountainous desert not unlike southern Nevada, bordered by a long, narrow stretch of green fields fed by the Supe River, Caral has spent millennia covered by dust and debris. Early in the 1900s, archaeologists realized that its six large dunes were too regularly shaped to be natural."
"If ever there were a spot commemorating the shifting fortunes of history, Caral is it. Set in a mountainous desert not unlike southern Nevada, bordered by a long, narrow stretch of green fields fed by the Supe River, Caral has spent millennia covered by dust and debris. Early in the 1900s, archaeologists realized that its six large dunes were too regularly shaped to be natural."
Exploring Chavín de Huántar
"Chavín de Huántar is located in Peru, 250 km to the north of Lima, and has long been a site of public interest and archaeological inquiry." Video and photo tour.
"Chavín de Huántar is located in Peru, 250 km to the north of Lima, and has long been a site of public interest and archaeological inquiry." Video and photo tour.
First City in the New World?
"Peru's Caral suggests civilization emerged in the Americas 1,000 years earlier than experts believed."
"Peru's Caral suggests civilization emerged in the Americas 1,000 years earlier than experts believed."
Huaca del Moche
"Inspired largely by a local legend about a heroic figure called "Naymlap," some think that the Moche came from outside of Latin America and landed in balsa rafts around the Lambeyeque valley. Generally accepted theory, though, says that early Moche settlement was in three valleys: the Chicama, the Moche, and the Viru, with the population most concentrated in the Moche valley."
"Inspired largely by a local legend about a heroic figure called "Naymlap," some think that the Moche came from outside of Latin America and landed in balsa rafts around the Lambeyeque valley. Generally accepted theory, though, says that early Moche settlement was in three valleys: the Chicama, the Moche, and the Viru, with the population most concentrated in the Moche valley."
Huacas del Sol y La Luna
Moche culture and origins, Huacas, historical background, architectural reconstructions and more information.
Moche culture and origins, Huacas, historical background, architectural reconstructions and more information.
Ice Treasures of the Inca
Interactive expedition up Mount Ampato to the mummy site.
Interactive expedition up Mount Ampato to the mummy site.
Inca Ruins, Chinchero
"Chinchero was once the country estate of one of the last emperors, Tupa Inca. Palace walls were constructed of large stones put together like giant jigsaw puzzles." Photos.
"Chinchero was once the country estate of one of the last emperors, Tupa Inca. Palace walls were constructed of large stones put together like giant jigsaw puzzles." Photos.
Incas' stone fitting
Author's theory about the unkown process of fitting stones together perfectly.
Author's theory about the unkown process of fitting stones together perfectly.
Introduction to the Archaeology of the North of Peru
"Peru is steeped in a rich archaeological heritage, with some of the most important sites lying in the coastal desert of the northern coast and in the southern Andean Highlands."
"Peru is steeped in a rich archaeological heritage, with some of the most important sites lying in the coastal desert of the northern coast and in the southern Andean Highlands."
Kuelap an amazing fortress in Chachapoyas
"Experts agree that the monumental aspects of Kuelap can only compare in size and grandeur to Machu Picchu in Peru, and the greater archaeological sites in the Americas."
"Experts agree that the monumental aspects of Kuelap can only compare in size and grandeur to Machu Picchu in Peru, and the greater archaeological sites in the Americas."
Las Huacas del Sol y de la Luna
"On the banks of the Río Moche just south of Trujillo are two huge pyramidal adobe structures called Huaca del Sol, the Temple of the Sun, and Huaca de la Luna, Temple of the Moon. This complex is generally considered to have been the ceremonial and political center of the Moche kingdom."
"On the banks of the Río Moche just south of Trujillo are two huge pyramidal adobe structures called Huaca del Sol, the Temple of the Sun, and Huaca de la Luna, Temple of the Moon. This complex is generally considered to have been the ceremonial and political center of the Moche kingdom."
Maytas-Chiribaya
"La cultura Maytas-Chiribaya se extendió por los fértiles Valles Occidentales, desde el puerto de Ilo en el sur del Perú, hasta la sección costera de los valles de Azapa y Lluta en el norte de Chile, aunque ocasionalmente se encuentran restos de esta cultura más al sur, como Taltal y Caldera."
"La cultura Maytas-Chiribaya se extendió por los fértiles Valles Occidentales, desde el puerto de Ilo en el sur del Perú, hasta la sección costera de los valles de Azapa y Lluta en el norte de Chile, aunque ocasionalmente se encuentran restos de esta cultura más al sur, como Taltal y Caldera."
Moche Burials Uncovered
"The Moche inhabited a series of river valleys along the arid coastal plain of northern Peru from about A.D. 100 to 800...Although they had no writing system, the Moche left a vivid artistic record of their activities in beautiful ceramic vessels, elaborately woven textiles, colorful murals, and wondrous objects of gold, silver, and copper."
"The Moche inhabited a series of river valleys along the arid coastal plain of northern Peru from about A.D. 100 to 800...Although they had no writing system, the Moche left a vivid artistic record of their activities in beautiful ceramic vessels, elaborately woven textiles, colorful murals, and wondrous objects of gold, silver, and copper."
Moche
"The Moche lived along the Northern Peruvian coastline, where they were relegated to life within the lower river valley. This river valley environment was rich with clay and metals, and gave the cultures of Northern Peru the tools to create extensive artistic traditions and cultures."
"The Moche lived along the Northern Peruvian coastline, where they were relegated to life within the lower river valley. This river valley environment was rich with clay and metals, and gave the cultures of Northern Peru the tools to create extensive artistic traditions and cultures."
Pikillacta and Rumicolca
"Spread over an area of at least fifty hectares, Pikillacta (daily 7am-5.30pm; entry by Cusco Tourist Ticket), "The Place of the Flea", was built by the Huari culture around 800 AD, before the rise of the Incas."
"Spread over an area of at least fifty hectares, Pikillacta (daily 7am-5.30pm; entry by Cusco Tourist Ticket), "The Place of the Flea", was built by the Huari culture around 800 AD, before the rise of the Incas."
Pikillacta The Wari Empire in Cuzco by Gordon F. McEwan,
"Pikillacta is the largest and grandest of all Wari regional centers, and McEwan's volume brings it to its rightful place of prominence in the archaeological literature."
"Pikillacta is the largest and grandest of all Wari regional centers, and McEwan's volume brings it to its rightful place of prominence in the archaeological literature."
Pukara Website
"North American, Peruvian, and British archaeologists, students, and local workers conducted archaeological excavations at the site of Pukara, Lake Titicaca Basin, Peru. Excavations were focused on understanding the organization of elite households in this important regional center (200 BC to AD 200)."
"North American, Peruvian, and British archaeologists, students, and local workers conducted archaeological excavations at the site of Pukara, Lake Titicaca Basin, Peru. Excavations were focused on understanding the organization of elite households in this important regional center (200 BC to AD 200)."
Sacred Valley: Destination Peru - Saqsayhuaman
"El Valle Sagrado, or the Sacred Valley of the Incas, is actually the Vilcanota/Urubamba River valley. It is located about 10 miles north of Cusco, and extends northwest through Pisac and Ollantaytambo. This entire region, punctuated by Cusco, was the heart of the Inca Empire from the 14th to the 15th centuries. As such, it contains numerous impressive ruins."
"El Valle Sagrado, or the Sacred Valley of the Incas, is actually the Vilcanota/Urubamba River valley. It is located about 10 miles north of Cusco, and extends northwest through Pisac and Ollantaytambo. This entire region, punctuated by Cusco, was the heart of the Inca Empire from the 14th to the 15th centuries. As such, it contains numerous impressive ruins."
Sun and Moon Temples
"This major archaeological site was built at the time of the Moche culture (100 BC-650 AD), just east of a prominent, freestanding hill, the Cerro Blanco (White Mountain), and next to a small tributary of the Moche River. It occupies a central location within the extensive Moche Valley."
"This major archaeological site was built at the time of the Moche culture (100 BC-650 AD), just east of a prominent, freestanding hill, the Cerro Blanco (White Mountain), and next to a small tributary of the Moche River. It occupies a central location within the extensive Moche Valley."
The day after: When civilizations are laid low, what happens next?
"For the Chiribaya, the first half of the 14th century was a golden age. Fishermen pulled seafood aplenty from the Pacific. Llamas grazed in the foothills of the Andes. Irrigated fields yielded abundant crops. A few decent-sized cities sprang up, ruled by people who kept everything humming along nicely. Then, the mud came."
"For the Chiribaya, the first half of the 14th century was a golden age. Fishermen pulled seafood aplenty from the Pacific. Llamas grazed in the foothills of the Andes. Irrigated fields yielded abundant crops. A few decent-sized cities sprang up, ruled by people who kept everything humming along nicely. Then, the mud came."
The Pikillacta Ruins
"Pikillaqta is considered to be one of the best-known and well-kept pre-Inca cities in Peru. It is found 30 km. southeast of Cusco, over 3,350 meters high and covers a territory of approximately 50 ha."
"Pikillaqta is considered to be one of the best-known and well-kept pre-Inca cities in Peru. It is found 30 km. southeast of Cusco, over 3,350 meters high and covers a territory of approximately 50 ha."
The Ruins on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Four part text and photo view of the ruins along the trail.
Four part text and photo view of the ruins along the trail.
Walking Tour of Machu Picchu, Peru
The residential palace of the Inca king Pachacuti has drawn tourists from all over the world because of its lovely impossible location at the edge of the world. Gina Carey was at Machu Picchu during the Summer of 2004, and shares her photographs of the famous site.
The residential palace of the Inca king Pachacuti has drawn tourists from all over the world because of its lovely impossible location at the edge of the world. Gina Carey was at Machu Picchu during the Summer of 2004, and shares her photographs of the famous site.