Huaca de la Luna — Moche Polychrome Temple Facade

Why it mattersKey Moche (Mochica) then Chimú 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. 100 CE platform; facade Stage 6 c. 450 CE with polychrome reliefs

Period

Moche (100–650 CE) and later Chimú cemetery

Culture

Moche (Mochica) then Chimú

Purpose

Step-truncated adobe pyramid (45 m × 90 m × 21 m) with 22 polychrome relief layers — Moche's war-god temple (Ai Apaec) with sacrifice plaza

Rediscovered

Modern excavation 1922

Excavation

Excavated

1. 1950 excavation

   Modern rediscovery and scientific excavation of Huaca de la Luna — Moche Polychrome Temple Facade

2. c. 1200 BCE major extension

   Major expansion / refurbishment at Huaca de la Luna — Moche Polychrome Temple Facade

3. c. 100 CE platform; facade Stage 6 c. 450 CE with polychrome reliefs

   Initial construction / first occupation at Huaca de la Luna — Moche Polychrome Temple Facade

• Huaca de la Luna — Moche Polychrome Temple Facade — Principal Temple

  temple

  temple at Huaca de la Luna — Moche Polychrome Temple Facade — outlier feature

  8.1359° S · 78.9916° W

• Huaca de la Luna — Moche Polychrome Temple Facade — Altar Annex 2

  altar

  altar at Huaca de la Luna — Moche Polychrome Temple Facade — primary structure

  8.1338° S · 78.9948° W

• Huaca de la Luna — Moche Polychrome Temple Facade — Southern Shrine

  shrine

  shrine at Huaca de la Luna — Moche Polychrome Temple Facade — subsidiary complex

  8.1357° S · 78.9932° W