Archaeologists in Peru have discovered an ancient ceremonial center and a circular-shaped pyramid in Miravalles, in the region of Cajamarca in northern Peru.
According to a news report in The Epoch Times, the site dates back an incredible 5,500 years. Until now, it was believed that the Norte Chico civilization of Supe, Peru was the earliest civilization of the Americas.
Their capital was the Sacred City of Caral – a 5,000-year-old metropolis complete with complex agricultural practices, rich culture, and monumental architecture, including six large pyramidal structures, stone and earthen platform mounds, temples, amphitheatre, sunken circular plazas, and residential areas.
However, the latest discovery suggests that the Norte Chico civilization may not be the oldest after all.
The discovery was announced by research Victor Colan at a Peruvian press conference on 21st October. Colan revealed that the research team found a ceremonial center and a circular step-pyramid (known in Peru as Huacas), with three platforms 30 meters in diameter.
The pyramid resembles two other circular Huacas found in Jaen, also in the Cajamarca region. The structure had large semi-circular walls built with a mixture of mud mortar and stones up to 200 kg in weight.
“The archaeological site of Miravalles in the province of San Miguel in Cajamarca with 5,500 years, is 500 years more ancient than the sacred city of Caral,” said Colan. “Not only Caral is the original center of the civilization of Peru but so is Cajamarca, in northern Peru.”
The researcher concluded that “Peru is the oldest civilization in the world along with Mesopotamia and Egypt,” and asked the Ministry of Culture to continue financing the excavations.
By April Holloway, Ancient Origins; | Featured image: Left: Miravalles, Cajamarca in Peru. Right: A sketch of the circular pyramid (via Facebook).
This article is published with the permission of Ancient-Origins.net. They release the most up to date news and articles relating to ancient human origins, archaeology, anthropology, lost civilizations, scientific mysteries, sacred writings, ancient places and more.
