- Address: Caral, Peru
- Website: caralperu.gob.pe
- Visit time: 09:00 to 17:00
Peru is one of the most interesting and mysterious places on the planet. After all, it was here that we found such famous architectural monuments as Machu Picchu , Kauachi , Saksayuaman , Ollantaytambo , giant Nazi geoglyphs and ruins of the ancient city of Karal, or Karal-Supe. The city of Coral is considered the most ancient city of America, built long before the arrival on the mainland of the Spanish colonists.
History of the ancient city
The ruins of the ancient city of Karal are located in the valley of the river Supe. Administratively, it refers to the Peruvian province of Barranco . According to the researchers, the city was active in the period from 2600 to 2000 BC. Despite this, Karal is in excellent condition, therefore it is an example of architectural and urban planning of the ancient Andean civilization. It is for this that in 2009 it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Karal is one of the 18 largest archaeological sites, distinguished by monumental structures and well-preserved dwellings. The main feature of these monuments is the presence of small platforms and stone circles, which are perfectly visible from the height. This architectural style is typical for the period 1500 BC. In 2001, with the help of innovative technologies, it was established that the city existed approximately in 2600-2000 BC. But, according to scientists, some archaeological remains may be much older.
Features of the ruins of the Caral
The territory of Karal extends 23 km from the coast of the Supe River in a desert area. It occupies more than 66 hectares of land on which there used to be about 3,000 people. Excavations in this area have been conducted since the beginning of the 20th century. During this time, the following objects were found here:
- six pyramids surrounding the central square;
- the ruins of an ancient amphitheater;
- "Elite" residential area of the ancient city.
The square of the city of Karal itself is 607 thousand square meters. It houses squares and houses. It is believed that Karal was one of the largest megacities of South America at the time when the Egyptian pyramids were erected. It is considered a prototype of all cities belonging to the Andean civilization, so its study can become a clue to other equally important archaeological sites.
Irrigation systems have been found in the territory of the city of Karal in Peru , which testify to the developed infrastructure. Judging by the ancient finds, the locals engaged in agriculture, namely the cultivation of avocados, beans, sweet potatoes, corn and pumpkins. At the same time, during the whole excavation period, no weapons or fortifications were found on the territory of the complex.
The most interesting finds of the ruins of the Karal include:
- Flutes made of pelican and condor bones;
- horns made of deer bones;
- wicker bags;
- ornaments from stones.
Here in the territory of the ancient city of Karal in Peru, samples of a pile were found. This is a nodular letter that was used to transmit and store information in the days of the Andean civilizations. All found exhibits are evidence of how advanced this civilization was 5000 years ago.
How to get there?
There are no direct flights from the capital of Peru to the Caral. To visit it, it is best to book an excursion . If you prefer to get there by yourself, then you will have to take a bus from Lima to the city of Supe Pablo, and from there take a taxi. Taxi drivers are usually brought to the central entrance, from which you can reach the ruins of Karal in 20 minutes. You should remember that after 16:00 visitors are not allowed to enter the territory of the monument.
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