Huaca de la Luna — North Mural Facade (Moche)
Luna Mural N
Old to Middle Kingdom (2700–1800 BCE)·Old Kingdom / Middle Kingdom; Moche·🇵🇪 La Libertad, Moche, Huaca de la Luna, Peru
About
About Huaca de la Luna — North Mural Facade (Moche)
Huaca de la Luna — North Mural Facade (Moche) in La Libertad, Moche, Huaca de la Luna, Peru is a Old to Middle Kingdom (2700–1800 BCE) pyramid attributed to Old Kingdom / Middle Kingdom. Systematic survey and coring document stratified deposits. The site includes a principal citadel and ancillary necropolis. Dimensions base 22.5 m × 22.5 m; height 12 m; inclination 52°; area 25.2 ha. Excavation excavated; condition ruins. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Old Kingdom / Middle Kingdom pyramid with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 20 m elevation.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Construction technique
- 02Chronology and phasing
Theories
- 01Elite residence hypothesis
- 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; Moche
- Builders
- Old Kingdom
- Purpose
- Funerary monument and ritual complex
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 2600 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c. 1124 BCE
Major refurbishment / second phase
1936
Modern rediscovery and excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
8.1300° S · 79.0600° W · 20 m · 4 mapped features
Main Pyramid Core
pyramidMain Pyramid Core at Huaca de la Luna — North Mural Facade (Moche) — pyramid with stratified deposits
8.1282° S · 79.0614° WMortuary Chapel
chapelMortuary Chapel at Huaca de la Luna — North Mural Facade (Moche) — chapel with stratified deposits
8.1286° S · 79.0597° WCauseway Segment
causewayCauseway Segment at Huaca de la Luna — North Mural Facade (Moche) — causeway with stratified deposits
8.1319° S · 79.0582° WSubsidiary Shaft
shaftSubsidiary Shaft at Huaca de la Luna — North Mural Facade (Moche) — shaft with stratified deposits
8.1278° S · 79.0607° W