In a remarkable archaeological breakthrough, researchers have unearthed a 3,500-year-old ancient city in Peru’s northern Barranca province, known as Peñico. Believed to have served as a vital trading hub, the city played a key role in connecting three major regions of the ancient world—the Pacific coast, the towering Andes mountains, and the dense Amazon rainforest. Situated approximately 200 kilometers north of Lima and at an elevation of 600 meters above sea level, Peñico is dated between 1800 and 1500 BC, a period contemporaneous with the rise of early civilizations in the Middle East and Asia.
The discovery follows eight years of careful excavation and analysis. Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of at least 18 structures at the site, including temples or places of worship, the ruins of residential buildings, and an array of ceremonial artifacts. Among the recovered items are intricately crafted clay figurines representing both humans and animals, as well as religious amulets and other objects that suggest deep ritual significance.
One of the most striking features of the site is a central circular building situated at the base of a nearby hill. This structure is surrounded by the ruins of older stone and mud constructions, indicating a complex and possibly layered occupation history. The layout and composition of the site suggest a sophisticated understanding of urban organization and spiritual life.
Peñico’s proximity to Caral—recognized as the oldest civilization in the Americas, dating back around 5,000 years adds to its significance. Caral is renowned for its monumental architecture, with 32 large structures, remnants of agricultural practices, and evidence of early urban planning. The discovery of Peñico offers an important link in understanding the evolution of complex societies in pre-Columbian America and adds another chapter to the story of early human development in the Western Hemisphere.
