In Peru, archaeologists have uncovered a mysterious pyramid structure in a massive archaeological complex. The pyramid may have been used for ceremonial purposes and could even have been the site of human sacrifices.
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Venus Figurines – Fertility Symbols, Portraits, Dolls, or Upper Paleolithic Porn? Greek creation myths Dinner Invitations for Famous People from the Past The Green Sahara More Greek Mythology Suggested Books PARTNERS Updated 27 November, 2019 - 13:56 Ed Whelan 5000-year-old Pyramid Structure Leads to Grisly Finds In Peru Read Later Print In Peru, archaeologists have uncovered a mysterious pyramid structure in a massive archaeological complex. The pyramid may have been used for ceremonial purposes and could even have been the site of human sacrifices. It is hoped that this discovery will help researchers to better understand one of the first Andean civilizations . The amazing discovery was made at the Sechin Archaeological Project , in the northern province of Casma in the Ancash region. This historic site dates back over 5000 years and it is believed to have been the center of an enigmatic prehistoric society known as the Sechin culture . Little is known about this culture, but it constructed some of the first monumental buildings in the Americas. Many experts believe that it even may be the first known civilization in the Andes. Ancient Pyramid Cities of Peru: A Catalogue of Swift Decline The thirteen towers of Chankillo, Peru: ancient astronomical observation in the Americas Hairless Dogs Hang Out at Peru’s Ancient Pyramids Sechín Archaeological site (relief - head profile left). (AgainErick/ CC BY SA 3.0 ) A Sacrificial Pyramid-Structure? Staff and experts from the Sechin Archaeological Project had been excavating the site when they made the discovery. The structure was buried deep in the ground. A team of specialists and workers had to dig 18 feet (5.49 meters) of earth and move large stones to uncover the pyramidical construction . This structure consists of a series of steps that are made out of slabs and stones and are similar to a step-pyramid. It is an estimated 10 feet (3.05 meters) high and 15 feet (4.57 meters) wide. The pyramid is believed to be approximately 5000 years old and is in good condition. The newly found Peruvian pyramid consists of a series of steps. (Andina) According to Archaeology News Network , ‘the pyramid is located within the south-central part of the main building’. This massive structure was once believed to be the seat of government for the Sechin culture. The researcher’s initial assessment is that the pyramid was used for ritual and possibly religious purposes. Archaeologist Monica Suarez, the coordinator at the Archaeological Project, stated “It served a ceremonial purpose, but we need to make further analysis.” Many cultures in the ancient Andes used similar buildings for rites and sacrifices. Living and Traveling in Peru reports that stepped pyramids were ‘aimed at attaining higher or elevated levels of spirituality.’ Skulls and a Dismembered Skeleton There were a number of grisly discoveries made near the pyramid. For example, the archaeologists uncovered two human skulls, which after a preliminary study were determined to have belonged to an adult and a young child. At the side of the structure they found a skeleton that appears to have been dismembered. This is evidence that a person may have had his or her limbs cut off while still alive or post-mortem. The discovery of the skulls and skeleton ‘makes the theory of ceremonial practices gain traction,’ reports Andina. It is also possible that human sacrifices took place on the stepped structure. There was a long tradition of human sacrifices in the Andes until the coming of the Spanish. Two skulls and a dismembered skeleton have been found. ( Andina) However, researchers at the archaeological park believe that it is also possible ‘that the stepped, pyramid-shaped structure served as a ladder to get to a higher level,’ according to Andina. The nature of the stepped structure and its location may mean that it was used to access the center of the ancient site. It may have allowed the inhabitants of the massive complex to approach the central building. Sechin Bajo, Peru: The Location of the Oldest Man-Made Structure of the New World? The Gruesome Sacrifice Carvings of Cerro Sechín, 3,600-Year-Old Ceremonial Center of Peru 5 Pyramids of the Ancient World that You May Not Have Heard About The Peruvian Pyramid Provides Insights into a Mysterious Culture Andina quotes Suarez as saying, “There is an adobe wall at the top, with fingerprints of Sechin inhabitants visible in the mud.” It appears that when the mud-bricks were still wet the workers deliberately left impressions with their fingers. These fingerprints can be viewed as workers signing their work. Work will continue on the pyramidical construction and the remains found in its vicinity will be thoroughly studied. The pyramid-like structure can provide more information on the Sechin complex. More importantly, if it is proven to have been a ceremonial site, it can help researchers to better understand the mysterious people who lived here 5000 years ago. Pendants made by the Sechin culture. (Lombard Museum/ CC BY 3.0 ) Top image: Left: A previously discovered pendant made by the Sechin culture. (Lombard Museum/ CC BY 3.0 ) Right: The newly unearthed Peruvian pyramid was also made by the Sechin culture. ( Andina) By Ed Whelan Section: NewsHistory & Archaeology Tags: pyramidsacrificeSkullskeletonperuSechinandesCivilizationcultureCasmaAncash Ed My name is Edward Whelan and I graduated with a PhD in history in 2008. Between 2010-2012 I worked in the Limerick City Archives. I have written a book and several peer reviewed journal articles. At present I am a... Read More Login or Register in order to comment Comments IJ Brown wrote on 28 November, 2019 - 08:59 ….”Structure Leads to Grisly Finds In Peru….” yet the article follows up with “...may have been used...” and “could even have been...”. How is AO not becoming like all the other media in the world that uses bait-click lying headlines only to make suggestions of could, might and maybe – yet finish the article with people believing the headline to be true. You can do better than this AO... (1 Comment) Related Articles on Ancient-Origins 12 December, 2022 - 17:56 Robbie Mitchell Cahuachi Necropolis, Sacred Burial Ground of the Nazca We can learn a lot about a civilization from how it treated its dead. The Nazca of Peru, for example, often carried their dead to Cahuachi, an important religious center, to be buried. Even though... 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And while some people may seem content with the story as it stands, our view is that there exist countless mysteries, scientific anomalies and surprising artifacts that have yet to be discovered and explained.The goal of Ancient Origins is to highlight recent archaeological discoveries, peer-reviewed academic research and evidence, as well as offering alternative viewpoints and explanations of science, archaeology, mythology, religion and history around the globe.We’re the only Pop Archaeology site combining scientific research with out-of-the-box perspectives.By bringing together top experts and authors, this archaeology website explores lost civilizations, examines sacred writings, tours ancient places, investigates ancient discoveries and questions mysterious happenings. Our open community is dedicated to digging into the origins of our species… truncated (354 more characters in archive)