A team of dedicated archaeologists has uncovered the ruins of a 4,000-year-old ceremonial temple buried beneath a sand dune in northern Peru's Lambayeque region. This astonishing discovery, located in the desert district of Zana, lies a mere 780 kilometers north of Lima, the country's bustling capital.
Led by Luis Muro from Peru's Pontifical Catholic University, the excavation team found skeletal remains of three adults nestled within the walls and foundations of what was once a multi-story structure. In one grave, a body was found accompanied by offerings and possibly wrapped in intricate linen, hinting at its role in religious rituals.
One of the temple's walls features a captivating high-relief drawing depicting a mythological figure with a human body and a bird's head. This design is believed to predate the renowned Chavin culture, which dominated Peru's central coast around 900 BC.
The team's efforts also unearthed remains of another potential temple nearby, attributed to the late Moche culture from approximately 1,400 years ago. This region is a treasure trove of history, home to ancient sites like the Sacred City of Caral and the enigmatic Nazca lines.
Peru's rich archaeological landscape continues to reveal secrets of its ancient civilizations, complementing the fame of iconic sites like Machu Picchu.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
