Shallow Ancient City
Moche (100–800 CE)·Moche·🇨🇱 Coquimbo, Chile
About
About Shallow Ancient City
Shallow Ancient City in Coquimbo, Chile is a Moche (100–800 CE) ancient city attributed to Moche culture. Systematically investigated through magnetometry and fieldwalking, it presents a monumental core with workshop zone. Construction employs ashlar with clamp and demonstrates craft specialization. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans verify location and chronology.
Why it mattersKey Moche ancient-city with stratified sequence and regional significance.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Long-distance exchange networks
- 02Astronomical alignment and orientation
Theories
- 01Defensive refuge and tribal capital
- 02Trading entrepôt and regional hub
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. 324 CE
- Period
- Moche (100–800 CE)
- Culture
- Moche
- Purpose
- Residential and craft production
- Excavation
- Unexcavated
c. 324 CE
Initial construction and primary occupation
c. 503 CE
Major enlargement and wall circuit added
c. 691 CE
Peak occupation and regional prominence
2016
Scientific excavation and conservation
On the ground
Structures & features
30.6045° S · 70.9887° W · 1820 m · 4 mapped features
Reservoir/Cistern
cairnPrimary ancient city at Shallow Ancient City — megalithic chamber
30.6048° S · 70.9882° WEnclosure Wall
entranceHydraulic feature — aqueduct
30.6024° S · 70.9896° WGranary Cluster
cisternPrimary ancient city at Shallow Ancient City — rock-cut facade
30.6038° S · 70.9905° WEnclosure Wall 4
ditchOutlier feature with cup marks
30.6043° S · 70.9911° W