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Peru opens 5,000 year old sacred city
28 Jun 2006
Peru's tourist authorities announced this week that the ancient city of Caral-Supe is to be opened to the public.
Caral-Supe, the oldest city in the Americas and the third oldest city in the world, was built 5,000 years ago by the Caral people.
Although, Caral-Supe may have become overshadowed by Machu Picchu, it is around 4,400 years older than its Inca rival.
It is thought the pyramids of Caral-Supe were first started in 27th century BC and were completed 600 years later. However, it was only discovered in 1994.
After restoration work and a programme to protect the site for future generations, the city - located in the Supe Valley, two hours north of Lima on the Pan-American Highway - has now been reopened to visitors.
Archaeological evidence points to the people of the Caral civilisation being ruled by hierarchical system with differences in rank and position in society.
A spokesman for the commission for the promotion of Peru said: 'Tourists who visit the area will be able to see how this system influenced the Caral way of life when they tour the residential and public housing areas, pyramids, sunken circular plazas, temples, altars, and more.'
© Adfero Ltd
Caral-Supe, the oldest city in the Americas and the third oldest city in the world, was built 5,000 years ago by the Caral people.
Although, Caral-Supe may have become overshadowed by Machu Picchu, it is around 4,400 years older than its Inca rival.
It is thought the pyramids of Caral-Supe were first started in 27th century BC and were completed 600 years later. However, it was only discovered in 1994.
After restoration work and a programme to protect the site for future generations, the city - located in the Supe Valley, two hours north of Lima on the Pan-American Highway - has now been reopened to visitors.
Archaeological evidence points to the people of the Caral civilisation being ruled by hierarchical system with differences in rank and position in society.
A spokesman for the commission for the promotion of Peru said: 'Tourists who visit the area will be able to see how this system influenced the Caral way of life when they tour the residential and public housing areas, pyramids, sunken circular plazas, temples, altars, and more.'
© Adfero Ltd
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