Huaca del Sol Terrace IV
Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent·Old Kingdom·🇵🇪 La Libertad, Moche, Peru
About
About Huaca del Sol Terrace IV
Huaca del Sol Terrace IV in La Libertad, Moche, Peru is a Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent pyramid attributed to Old Kingdom. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal base 95 × 95 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at -8.1330N -79.0000E controls access to La Libertad resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey pyramid for La Libertad, Moche, illustrating Old Kingdom construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Construction logistics and labour organisation
- 02Astronomical orientation method
Theories
- 01Royal tomb with cult temple axis
- 02Experimental step before true pyramid
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. 2600–2500 BCE
- Period
- Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent
- Culture
- Old Kingdom
- Purpose
- Royal tomb and ceremonial platform embodying cosmology
- Rediscovered
- 1997 survey
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 2600–2500 BCE
Initial construction of Huaca del Sol Terrace IV main structure
c. 1937
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1997–2012
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Huaca del Sol Terrace IV) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
8.1330° S · 79.0000° W · 339 m · 3 mapped features
Huaca del Sol Terrace IV — Main Structure
structurePrincipal pyramid — Base 95 × 95 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
8.1322° S · 78.9991° WHuaca del Sol Terrace IV — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
8.1340° S · 79.0007° WHuaca del Sol Terrace IV — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
8.1315° S · 78.9988° W