Temple and theater 3,500 years older than Machu Picchu discovered in Peru
Archaeologists unearth a 4,000-year-old temple and theater in Peru, revealing early religious practices predating Machu Picchu. The site showcases mud walls, a stage-like platform, and mythological carvings, shedding light on ancient Peruvian societies.
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Archaeologists in Peru have discovered a 4,000-year-old temple and theater near the town of Zaña, shedding light on the early origins of complex religions in the region. The site, known as La Otra Banda, Cerro Las Animas, revealed ancient walls made of mud and clay just six feet below the surface. The excavation unearthed a large temple and a small theater with a backstage area and a staircase leading to a stage-like platform, potentially used for ritual performances. The discovery includes intricate carvings of mythological bird-like creatures dating back to the Initial Period, offering insights into the early religious practices in Peru. This finding predates Machu Picchu by 3,500 years and provides valuable information about the emergence of religious spaces and beliefs in the Andean region. The lead archaeologist, Luis Muro Ynoñán, emphasized the significance of these early religious systems in shaping political authority and cultural identity in ancient Peruvian societies. The site also featured large murals, and further analysis, including carbon dating, will be conducted to confirm its age and significance in the region's archaeological landscape.
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1 commentsThis is the professor in charge of the project: https://www.pucp.edu.pe/profesor/luis-muro-ynonan
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