The prehistoric fortress of Penico, almost 4,000 years old, has just opened to visitors. This thrilling achievement follows eight years of major scientific study and meticulous restoration work. This important archaeological site is located in the Supe Valley, about 110 miles north of Lima, Peru. It was built between 1,800 and 1,500 BC and serves as an important element of the highly developed Caral civilization, which prospered from 3,000 to 1,800 BC.
Located at 2,000 feet (600 meters) elevation, Penico. This unique geological terrace runs directly perpendicular to the river, making it the perfect location. This site was an intentional choice to avoid flooding areas. The citadel was among the region’s busiest trading posts. It connected early human communities along the Pacific coast with those in the Andean and Amazonian highlands and plains.
Archaeologists have spent four decades learning about Penico. Researchers hope to find clues as to why the ancient Caral civilization collapsed. Those climatic changes, the researchers argue, resulted in a series of debilitating droughts. These droughts greatly impacted agricultural production, leading to civilizational collapse.
Ruth Shady, a prominent archaeologist involved in the study of Penico, emphasized the importance of understanding the Caral civilization’s development:
“We want to understand how the Caral civilization formed and developed over time, and how it came to be in crisis as a result of climate change.” – Ruth Shady
The citadel is described as an “organized urban center devoted to agriculture and trade between the coast, the mountains and the forest,” according to Shady. This characterization is aptly descriptive of Penico and vividly illustrates Penico’s role in connecting people and enabling trade across cultures.
As we now await the opening of Penico to the public, this excavation offers a tantalizing glimpse into of the life and culture of the Caral civilization. It provides visitors a unique and invaluable opportunity to understand those ancient societies that co-existed with early civilizations in the Middle East and Asia.
The restoration of this highly important and historic site was very important to address, but equally important was making sure that it is available and preserved for education. As visitors travel to Penico, they will learn about its vibrant historical importance. What’s more, they’ll learn about the compelling relationships between urban and rural areas in Peru.
“The citadel was a trading center connecting communities on Peru’s Pacific coast with the Andes and the Amazon regions.”