Archaeologists in Bolivia have uncovered the substantial ruins of an ancient temple complex, identified as Palaspata, belonging to the enigmatic Tiwanaku society. This significant discovery, located approximately 215 kilometers southeast of the well-known Tiwanaku archaeological site in Caracollo, Bolivia, suggests that the influence of this civilization, which mysteriously vanished around 1000 CE, extended much further than previously understood.
The Palaspata temple is a vast structure, measuring about 125 meters in length and 145 meters in width. Its design features 15 square rooms arranged around a central courtyard, with architectural elements such as a terraced platform and a sunken court mirroring those found in the core Tiwanaku regions near Lake Titicaca. The temple's layout appears to be aligned with solar equinox rituals, indicating its importance as a ceremonial center.
Researchers employed advanced techniques, including satellite imagery, drone flights, and photogrammetry, to identify and map the site. Excavations yielded numerous fragments of ceremonial cups, known as keru cups, traditionally used for drinking chicha, a fermented maize beverage. The presence of maize, which does not grow at the site's high altitude, points to extensive trade networks, likely connecting the highlands with the agriculturally productive Cochabamba valleys to the east.
This strategic positioning suggests Palaspata served as a crucial nexus for trade and cultural exchange, potentially acting as a gateway node that materialized the power and influence of the Tiwanaku state. This finding challenges prior assumptions about the territorial extent of Tiwanaku's influence, indicating a broader regional reach and a strategic presence along key trade routes.
The Tiwanaku civilization, which flourished between approximately 500 and 1000 CE, was a dominant force in the Andes, characterized by sophisticated social structures and monumental architecture. The discovery of Palaspata provides tangible evidence of state-level investment and regional control, reinforcing theories about Tiwanaku's role in integrating religious practices with commerce and governance across diverse Andean ecological zones.
Dr. José Capriles, an associate professor of anthropology at Penn State and lead author of the study, highlighted the temple's significance, stating that its existence in this location is remarkable and served as a gateway materializing the power and influence of the Tiwanaku state. The discovery compels a reevaluation of Tiwanaku's political geography and its complex societal organization, offering a deeper understanding of pre-Inca Andean history.