Conny Waters – AncientPages.com – Peruvian archaeologists have uncovered an astronomical structure in the Casma Valley, Ancash region, that predates the renowned Chankillo solar observatory—previously considered the oldest of its kind in the Americas.
View of the new excavated structure at the Chankillo site, Casma, Peru. Credit: Peruvian Ministry of Culture
This significant discovery was announced by Ivan Ghezzi Solis, director of Executing Unit 010 Chankillo. The find comes shortly after the unearthing of a broken sculptural vessel depicting warriors at Chankillo’s entrance, believed to be a ritual offering or linked to conflict, and underscoring the site’s ceremonial importance.
Artifacts from ancient civilizations often played a significant role in shaping the spiritual and cultural practices of their time. Over 2,300 years ago, the Casma Valley was home to a vibrant society in which solar ceremonies and military prowess were closely linked, leaving a lasting legacy. The elites of this civilization viewed the sun not only as a vital source of life but also as an emblem of strength and unity.
Credit: Peruvian Ministry of Culture
Celestial rituals performed by these leaders served both to inspire their people and reinforce their own authority, illustrating how spirituality and leadership could work together to elevate an entire society. Researchers have found that depictions of warriors are connected with the Chankillo structure known as the Fortified Temple—a central site for political, military, and ritual activities among Chankillo elites.
Credit: Peruvian Ministry of Culture
These findings suggest that ritual objects had purposes beyond mere ceremony; they also communicated important messages about identity and power within the community.
The Peruvian Ministry of Culture has highlighted that this newly discovered structure is reshaping our understanding of when astronomy began in the Andes. The site represents one of the earliest known examples of architectural planning aligned with solar movements in the Americas, indicating sophisticated observation of astronomical phenomena well before Chankillo’s construction around 250 BC.
Excavations led by Ghezzi’s team are ongoing, with plans to use radiocarbon dating to determine the exact age of this ancient building. Its orientation toward solar events and construction materials strongly suggests an astronomical function that predates even Chankillo’s famed Thirteen Towers.
Chankillo’s Thirteen Towers. Credit: David Edgar – CC BY-SA 3.0
Further research at Casma has also revealed a corridor intentionally aligned with lunar cycles, demonstrating that both solar and lunar observations were integral to activities at this complex. These findings indicate a more advanced and diverse body of astronomical knowledge among ancient Andean civilizations than previously recognized.
Credit: Peruvian Ministry of Culture
According to Ghezzi Solis, these discoveries reinforce Casma’s status as one of history’s most important centers for ancient astronomy. Structures within this complex not only tracked solar movements but also incorporated lunar alignments—expanding our understanding beyond what was once thought possible for pre-Hispanic Peru.
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Restoration efforts continue at Chankillo—including work on its Thirteen Towers—with plans underway to open more areas for public visitation in the coming years. Since its designation as a World Heritage Site in 2021, Chankillo has continued to provide valuable insights into early scientific traditions and achievements in South America.
Source: Ministry of Culture of Peru
Written by Conny Waters – AncientPages.com Staff Writer
