Sipan Royal Tomb Pyramid Platform
Sipan Royal Tomb Pyramid Platform North Annex · Sipan Site
Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent·Old Kingdom·🇵🇪 Lambayeque, Sipán, Peru
About
About Sipan Royal Tomb Pyramid Platform
Sipan Royal Tomb Pyramid Platform in Lambayeque, Sipán, 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 -6.8060N -79.6000E controls access to Lambayeque 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 Lambayeque, Sipán, 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
- 1968 survey
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 2600–2500 BCE
Initial construction of Sipan Royal Tomb Pyramid Platform main structure
c. 1948
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1963–2008
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Sipan Royal Tomb Pyramid Platform) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
6.8060° S · 79.6000° W · 416 m · 4 mapped features
Sipan Royal Tomb Pyramid Platform — Main Structure
structurePrincipal pyramid — Base 95 × 95 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
6.8052° S · 79.5991° WSipan Royal Tomb Pyramid Platform — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
6.8070° S · 79.6007° WSipan Royal Tomb Pyramid Platform — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
6.8045° S · 79.5988° WSipan Royal Tomb Pyramid Platform — Hydraulic/Cistern
hydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site
6.8076° S · 79.6011° W