Old Aqueduct
Old
Harappan (2600–1900 BCE)·Harappan·🇨🇱 Coquimbo, Chile
About
About Old Aqueduct
Old Aqueduct in Coquimbo, Chile is a Harappan (2600–1900 BCE) hydraulic attributed to Harappan culture. Systematically investigated through ground-penetrating radar and coring, it presents a principal enclosure with necropolis. Construction employs dry-stone masonry and demonstrates long-distance exchange. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans verify location and chronology.
Why it mattersKey Harappan hydraulic with stratified sequence and regional significance.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Population scale vs catchment
- 02Ritual use and symbolic landscape
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre and pilgrimage focus
- 02Centralized storage and redistribution (Cunliffe)
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. 2379 BCE
- Period
- Harappan (2600–1900 BCE)
- Culture
- Harappan
- Purpose
- Necropolis and ritual
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 2379 BCE
Initial construction and primary occupation
c. 1579 BCE
Major expansion and monumental elaboration
c. 897 BCE
Rebuilding and fortification phase
2006
Modern archaeological excavation and survey
On the ground
Structures & features
31.0391° S · 70.4169° W · 1928 m · 3 mapped features
Rock Art Panel
courtyardOutlier feature with alignments
31.0371° S · 70.4166° WAncillary Complex
moundHydraulic feature — cistern
31.0387° S · 70.4183° WGateway
courtyardOutlier feature with cup marks
31.0362° S · 70.4159° W