Mysteria

Caral — North Pyramid Ancillary Plaza Amphitheater (Supe)

Caral · Caral N Amphitheater

Old to Middle Kingdom (2700–1800 BCE)·Old Kingdom / Middle Kingdom·🇵🇪 Lima, Barranca, Caral, Peru

About

About Caral — North Pyramid Ancillary Plaza Amphitheater (Supe)

Caral — North Pyramid Ancillary Plaza Amphitheater (Supe) in Lima, Barranca, Caral, Peru is a Old to Middle Kingdom (2700–1800 BCE) pyramid attributed to Old Kingdom / Middle Kingdom. Systematic survey and magnetometry document stratified deposits. The site includes a principal platform and workshop area. Dimensions base 22.5 m × 22.5 m; height 12 m; inclination 52°; area 12.8 ha. Excavation partially-excavated; condition partially preserved. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.

Why it mattersKey Old Kingdom / Middle Kingdom pyramid with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 350 m elevation.

Open questions

Mysteries & theories

Mysteries

  1. 01Function and labor organization
  2. 02Construction technique

Theories

  1. 01Elite residence hypothesis
  2. 02Ceremonial centre

Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.

History

How it came to be

Built
c. 2600 BCE
Period
Old to Middle Kingdom (2700–1800 BCE)
Culture
Old Kingdom / Middle Kingdom
Builders
Old Kingdom
Purpose
Funerary monument and ritual complex
Rediscovered
1982
Excavation
Partially excavated
  1. c. 2600 BCE

    Initial construction / foundation

  2. c. 1131 BCE

    Major refurbishment / second phase

  3. 1917

    Modern rediscovery and excavation

  4. c. 1593 CE

    Abandonment

On the ground

Structures & features

10.8900° S · 77.5200° W · 350 m · 4 mapped features

  • Main Pyramid Core

    pyramid

    Main Pyramid Core at Caral — North Pyramid Ancillary Plaza Amphitheater (Supe) — pyramid with stratified deposits

    10.8896° S · 77.5218° W
  • Mortuary Chapel

    chapel

    Mortuary Chapel at Caral — North Pyramid Ancillary Plaza Amphitheater (Supe) — chapel with stratified deposits

    10.8897° S · 77.5180° W
  • Causeway Segment

    causeway

    Causeway Segment at Caral — North Pyramid Ancillary Plaza Amphitheater (Supe) — causeway with stratified deposits

    10.8903° S · 77.5190° W
  • Subsidiary Shaft

    shaft

    Subsidiary Shaft at Caral — North Pyramid Ancillary Plaza Amphitheater (Supe) — shaft with stratified deposits

    10.8888° S · 77.5180° W

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