Chanquillo — Solar Observatory Fortified Temple Chankillo

Why it mattersKey Sechin / Casma Late Chavín solar observatory state temple-complex with stratified sequence and regional typology.

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

Built

c. 300 BCE fort; 250 BCE 13 Towers 2–6 m high each over 200 m ridge

Period

Late Chavín to Sechin Casma (350–200 BCE) fortress and 13-tower ridge 200 BCE (Ghezzi UNESCO 2021)

Culture

Sechin / Casma Late Chavín solar observatory state

Purpose

13-tower solar observatory (200 m ridge, towers 2–6 m high with notches) with fort 300 m triple wall controlling Casma desert solar calendar UNESCO 2021 World Heritage

Rediscovered

Modern excavation 1855

Excavation

Excavated

1. c. 1200 BCE major extension

   Major expansion / refurbishment at Chanquillo — Solar Observatory Fortified Temple Chankillo

2. c. 300 BCE fort; 250 BCE 13 Towers 2–6 m high each over 200 m ridge

   Initial construction / first occupation at Chanquillo — Solar Observatory Fortified Temple Chankillo

3. 1990 excavation

   Modern rediscovery and scientific excavation of Chanquillo — Solar Observatory Fortified Temple Chankillo

• Chanquillo — Solar Observatory Fortified Temple Chankillo — Principal Temple

  temple

  temple at Chanquillo — Solar Observatory Fortified Temple Chankillo — outlier feature

  9.5557° S · 78.2364° W

• Chanquillo — Solar Observatory Fortified Temple Chankillo — Northern Altar

  altar

  altar at Chanquillo — Solar Observatory Fortified Temple Chankillo — hydraulic feature

  9.5546° S · 78.2352° W

• Chanquillo — Solar Observatory Fortified Temple Chankillo — Southern Shrine

  shrine

  shrine at Chanquillo — Solar Observatory Fortified Temple Chankillo — hydraulic feature

  9.5576° S · 78.2350° W