Peruvian and German archaeologists have discovered a
ceremonial plaza in Peru dating back some 5,500 years, making it one of the
oldest structures found in the Americas.
The circular plaza was discovered beneath another piece of architecture at the
ruins known as Sechin Bajo in Casma, north of Lima.
“It’s an impressive find; the scientific and archaeology communities are very
happy,” said Cesar Perez, the scientist at Peru’s National Institute of Culture,
who supervised the project. “This could redesign the history of the country.”
The archaeologists also found pieces of architecture underneath the plaza, which
might date back even farther. “There are four or five plazas deeper down, which
means the structure was rebuilt several times, perhaps every 100 to 300 years.”
Said German archaeologist Yenque.
In Peru there are hundreds of archaeological sites, and many of the ruined
structures were built by cultures which preceded the powerful Inca Empire.
This interesting discovery adds to the richness and mystery of humanity’s
ancient past.
History holds many valuable examples of civilizations that were much more
advanced than we tend to give them credit for. And we keep finding evidence that
continually pushes back the timelines of civilized human history across the
world. There is much for us to learn from our shrouded past, which little by
little, with discoveries such as these, becomes unveiled.
In studying history and the cycles of time, we will find times of harmony and
prosperity as well as times of decadence and decline. Learning from both the
steps and missteps of our forbearers can only enrich our future.
