Peñico: Ancient Andean City Reveals Secrets of 3,800-Year-Old Civilization

Edited by: Tetiana Martynovska 17

An ancient city named Peñico, unearthed in northern Peru, is providing a remarkable window into the ingenuity and adaptability of Andean civilization. Established between 1800 and 1500 BC, this urban center, located approximately 200 kilometers north of Lima, served as a crucial hub for cultural and economic exchange, connecting coastal regions, the Andean highlands, and the Amazon basin.

The eight-year research project at Peñico, led by archaeologist Dr. Ruth Shady, renowned for her previous work at Caral, the oldest civilization in the Americas, culminated in the site's public opening on July 12, 2025. Peñico features 18 distinct structures, including ceremonial temples and residential buildings, indicative of a well-organized and sophisticated society. A notable structure, identified as B2 or the Ceremonial Hall of the Pututus, showcases intricate reliefs of pututus—conch-shell trumpets historically used in Andean rituals and communication.

Artifacts discovered at the site, such as handmade clay sculptures, shell necklaces, and gemstones like rhodochrosite and chrysocolla, alongside animal bones, suggest a society with extensive trade networks and a deep connection to its environment. The presence of monkey figurines specifically points to familiarity with the Amazonian region, further highlighting Peñico's broad cultural connections.

Peñico's strategic elevation of approximately 600 meters (about 1,970 feet) above sea level, situated near the Supe River, offered natural defenses against environmental challenges like floods and landslides, while also facilitating its role as a vital trade artery. This position enabled the smooth flow of goods and ideas between disparate geographical zones, fostering rich cultural and economic interactions.

The opening ceremony on July 12, 2025, featured regional artists playing pututus in a ceremony honoring Pachamama, Mother Earth, with offerings of agricultural products, coca leaves, and local beverages. This event underscored the enduring cultural continuity and resilience of Andean societies, particularly in the wake of the Caral civilization's decline around 1800 BC, often attributed to climate change. Peñico's existence demonstrates the inhabitants' remarkable adaptability in social and economic structures, enabling them to navigate and overcome environmental adversities.

Visitors to Peñico can now explore the well-preserved ruins, including its ceremonial buildings, residential areas, and plazas. A modern interpretation center enhances the visitor experience with digital reconstructions that help visualize the city's past grandeur, offering a deeper understanding of pre-Columbian Peru. The discovery of Peñico is a testament to the enduring spirit of human innovation and the capacity for societies to evolve and thrive even in the face of significant environmental shifts, highlighting a civilization that prioritized integration and exchange.

Sources

  • EXPRESS

  • The Art Newspaper

  • Al Jazeera

  • Newsweek

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