states: [peru]
category: cultural
year: 2021
region: Latin America and the Caribbean
latitude/longitude: -9.5568611111, -78.2359166667
Chankillo, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Peru, recognized in 2021, is a 2,300-year-old archaeological complex in the Casma Valley, featuring the oldest known solar observatory in the Americas. Built by a pre-Inca civilization around 300 BCE, it includes 13 stone towers aligned to track the sun’s annual arc, alongside a fortified temple and ceremonial plaza. This sophisticated astronomical site reflects advanced knowledge of solar cycles, likely used for seasonal rituals and agriculture, offering a rare glimpse into ancient Andean cosmology and engineering prowess.
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