El Brujo — Cao Viejo Huaca and Lady of Cao Temple

Why it mattersKey Moche → Lambayeque/Chimú → Inca 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

Cao Viejo pyramid stage c.450 CE polychrome war-god 4 m

Period

Moche (100 BCE–700 CE) Cao 450 CE mural facade; Wari-Chimú upper 800–1300; Cao Lady tomb 450 CE intrusive

Culture

Moche → Lambayeque/Chimú → Inca

Purpose

Moche truncated pyramid (120 m × 100 m × 30 m = Huaca Cao Viejo) with polychrome war-god frieze and Lady of Cao mummy 450 CE tattooed mummy with war clubs and nose bar golden

Rediscovered

Modern excavation 1980

Excavation

Excavated

1. 2005 excavation

   Modern rediscovery and scientific excavation of El Brujo — Cao Viejo Huaca and Lady of Cao Temple

2. c. 1200 CE major extension

   Major expansion / refurbishment at El Brujo — Cao Viejo Huaca and Lady of Cao Temple

• El Brujo — Cao Viejo Huaca and Lady of Cao Temple — Principal Temple

  temple

  temple at El Brujo — Cao Viejo Huaca and Lady of Cao Temple — hydraulic feature

  7.9132° S · 79.3046° W

• El Brujo — Cao Viejo Huaca and Lady of Cao Temple — Northern Altar

  altar

  altar at El Brujo — Cao Viejo Huaca and Lady of Cao Temple — subsidiary complex

  7.9108° S · 79.3020° W

• El Brujo — Cao Viejo Huaca and Lady of Cao Temple — Shrine Annex 3

  shrine

  shrine at El Brujo — Cao Viejo Huaca and Lady of Cao Temple — subsidiary complex

  7.9110° S · 79.3021° W

• El Brujo — Cao Viejo Huaca and Lady of Cao Temple — Eastern Temple

  temple

  temple at El Brujo — Cao Viejo Huaca and Lady of Cao Temple — primary structure

  7.9104° S · 79.3017° W