![Peru’s Newly Unearthed Ancient Megalith Stands Among Oldest Structures in The Americas: A Report 2 CircularPlazaPeru](https://i0.wp.com/theubj.com/uae/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/CircularPlazaPeru.jpg?w=1170)
In the lands that predate Egypt’s majestic pyramids and concurrent with the construction of the famous Stonehenge, a group of hunter-gatherers in the Peruvian valleys was assembling a megalithic structure now revealed to be among the oldest in the American continent.
A recently unearthed 18-meter-wide circular plaza, comprising towering stones, located in the Callacpuma valley of northern Peru, has been unveiled as an ancient site dating back 4,750 years, according to recent excavations.
This site, which was discovered roughly 60 years ago, represents one of the earliest large stone constructions in the Americas, with historical context placing it before farming’s widespread prevalence in the area, and even before the era of pottery.
The creators, who are speculated to have been mobile hunter-gatherers dabbling with agriculture, possibly utilized the Callacpuma plaza as a common ground for community building and identity formation, highlight the archaeologists studying the site.
Surrounded by two stone walls, the megalithic structure features a circular design unique to the region, consisting of large stones placed vertically in strict succession, forming chambers and passageways. It is believed to have been a hub for religious or social gatherings from 2632 to 2884 BCE.
Archaeological evidence from the Callacpuma plaza challenges the long-standing assumption that only agrarian societies were capable of erecting permanent megalithic structures, shining new light on the capabilities of nomadic cultures.
This Peruvian site adds to the growing list of ancient monuments, such as Göbekli Tepe in modern-day Turkey, created by non-agrarian societies, suggesting that collective construction and communal rituals were pivotal in shaping early human societies.
The study contributes a significant chapter to our understanding of early civilizations and has been documented in Science Advances.
FAQ Section
- How old is the circular plaza found in Peru?
- The circular plaza found in Callacpuma, northern Peru, is estimated to be around 4,750 years old.
- Who built the ancient circular plaza in Peru?
- The plaza was likely built by mobile hunter-gatherers who may have been experimenting with agricultural practices.
- Is the circular plaza the oldest megalithic structure in the Americas?
- While it is one of the oldest, there are other ancient structures in the Americas, such as the Sechin Bajo sunken plaza, which dates back to around 3000 BCE.
- What was the purpose of the circular plaza?
- The plaza was probably used for religious or social purposes, serving as a meeting place for early societies.
- Does the Callacpuma plaza challenge previous assumptions about ancient constructions?
- Yes, it supports the emerging idea that permanent, megalithic structures were not exclusive to farming societies and that mobile hunter-gatherer groups could also create such monuments.
Conclusion
The discovery and excavation of the Callacpuma plaza in Peru provide profound insights into prehistoric human societies in the Americas. It underscores the sophistication and social complexity of early hunter-gatherer groups, highlighting their ability to construct monumental structures, previously thought to be beyond their capabilities. As studies continue, each finding enriches our grasp of the ancient past, revealing customs and communal efforts that predate some of history’s most renowned civilizations.