Peico, a newly uncovered archaeological site in northern Peru, is changing what experts know about early American civilizations.Official statements from Perus Ministry of Culture confirm that Peico dates back over 3,500 years and sits about 200 kilometers north of Lima, at 600 meters above sea level.Archaeologists believe the city was founded between 1,800 and 1,500 BC, making it a contemporary of early societies in Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Researchers describe Peico as a key trading hub that connected the Pacific coast, the Andes, and the Amazon basin.The citys location and design show a clear strategy to promote exchange and protect residents from floods and landslides.
Excavations have revealed 18 structures, including temples, public plazas, and residential complexes.Among the finds are clay sculptures, ceremonial objects, and necklaces made from shells and minerals, all indicating wide-ranging trade.
Peicos rise followed the decline of Caral, the oldest known civilization in the Americas.Peico: Perus 3,500-Year-Old City Sheds Light on Ancient Trade and Survival.
(Photo Internet reproduction)Experts suggest climate change forced Carals people to adapt, and Peico emerged as a successor, carrying forward their traditions.
The citys builders used stone and mud, creating circular structures and decorated walls.Peico Reveals Ancient Trade NetworksOne notable building features sculpted reliefs of pututus, conch shell instruments used for ceremonies and communication.
The evidence points to a society that valued trade and connectivity.Artifacts made from marine shells, animal bones, and minerals like hematite show that Peicos residents exchanged goods with distant regions.
The citys strategic position allowed it to act as a node in a network that moved resources and ideas across varied landscapes.Today, Peico faces threats from land traffickers seeking to profit from rising land values near archaeological sites.
Official reports document attacks on researchers and a lack of police protection.These risks endanger both the site and those working to preserve it.
Peicos discovery offers hard data about early urban life in South America.
It shows that ancient Peruvians built complex trade networks and resilient cities long before the Incas.The sites remains provide new insight into how early societies survived, adapted, and prospered through commerce and cooperation.
Peico stands as a vital piece of the continents history, highlighting the role of trade and adaptation in shaping ancient civilizations.