CHANKILLO, THE OLDEST SOLAR OBSERVATORY IN AMERICA

    

The ancient and impressive archaeoastronomical complex of Chankillo is located on the central coast of Peru, 374 kilometers from Lima (approximately 5 hours by bus). It comprises a group of structures that rise from the desert landscape. Study began in 2002, and it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021.

 

  

 

 Chankillo is considered the oldest solar observatory in the Americas, built by the Casma-Sechin civilization 2,200 years ago. According to researchers, its 13 towers, situated on a hilltop, were connected to the natural elements and allowed for the observation of both sunrise and sunset throughout the year. During their heyday, these towers were covered in mud and decorated with white, yellow, and ochre pigments, some fragments of which still remain. 

 

  

 

Peru is one of the countries that harbors some of the most impressive historical and archaeological legacies in the world, but one of the least known places until now is the Chankillo archaeoastronomical complex, where its solar observatory and ceremonial center stand out 

 

   

 

 Located in the province of Casma in the Ancash region, it is estimated that this archaeological gem was inhabited between 500 and 200 BC by the Sechin civilization, apparently underdeveloped but in reality they had great knowledge and technology to have built this great solar observatory; the entire archaeological zone covers about 4 square kilometers. 

   

 

The archaeological site consists of 13 towers, ranging from 3 to 7 meters in height, constructed of stone and mud. Perfectly aligned from north to south, they stand atop a strategic hill overlooking the area. This complex architecture allowed its inhabitants to accurately measure the solstices and equinoxes, the changing seasons, and all the cyclical movements of the sun. One of the most interesting features of this site is that, unlike other ancient observatories around the world, Chankillo allows for observations throughout the entire annual solar cycle.

  

 

 In its heyday, Chankillo consisted of an administrative zone, a residential zone, and a sacred zone, where a circular temple 300 meters long stood, protected by concentric walls, sheltered on top of a hill, and inside which anthropomorphic murals of a spider-like deity with feminine features were found. 

  

 Chankillo is believed to have been abandoned in the 1st century BC. The exact cause is unknown, but it could be due to the invasion of the Chavín people, who were later conquered by the Mochica. This theory is supported by the fact that archaeologists found ceramic sculptures depicting warriors armed with spears, clubs, and spear throwers. Undoubtedly, much remains to be discovered in this mysterious place, as only 1% has been excavated, and in the coming years, Chankillo will surely be a major topic of discussion.