3,500-Year-Old Trading City Discovered in Peru

On 3rd July 2025, archaeologists unveiled Peñico, a 3,500-year-old city in Peru believed to have been a key trading hub connecting coastal, highland, and Amazonian cultures in ancient South America.

Key Points

Historic Discovery: Peñico, located in northern Barranca province, was founded between 1800 and 1500 BC, at an elevation of 600 meters above sea level.
Post-Caral Civilization: Archaeologists consider Peñico a successor to the Caral civilization, which flourished 5,000 years ago but declined due to climate change.
Strategic Location: Positioned for trade among the coast, Andes, and Amazon, making it a crucial cultural and economic crossroads.
Excavation Findings:
- 18 structures identified so far
- Ceremonial temples and residential zones
- Central plaza with sculptural reliefs and pututu (conch shell trumpet) motifs
- Clay figurines, ritual objects, and bead-and-shell necklaces recovered
Cultural Continuity: Researchers say Peñico showcases continuity from Caral society and offers insight into how civilizations adapted and evolved.