Chankillo Archaeoastronomical Complex

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Unraveling the Mysteries of the Chankillo Archaeoastronomical Complex

The Chankillo Archaeoastronomical Complex, a remarkable prehistoric site dating back to between 250-200 BC, stands as a testament to the advanced astronomical knowledge of ancient civilizations. Situated in the Casma Valley on the north-central coast of Peru, this intricate system of structures serves as a unique calendrical instrument, utilizing the sun to define dates throughout the year. In July 2021, the site was granted UNESCO World Heritage status, acknowledging its significance in understanding the historical development of astronomical practices.

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UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site

The Chankillo Archaeoastronomical Complex is a prehistoric site (250-200 BC), located on the north-central coast of Peru, in the Casma Valley, comprising a set of constructions in a desert landscape that, together with natural features, functioned as a calendrical instrument, using the sun to define dates throughout the year. The site includes a triple-walled hilltop complex, known as the Fortified Temple, two building complexes called Observatory and Administrative Centre, a line of 13 cuboidal towers stretching along the ridge of a hill, and the Cerro Mucho Malo that complements the Thirteen Towers as a natural marker. The ceremonial centre was probably dedicated to a solar cult, and the presence of an observation point on either side of the north-south line of the Thirteen Towers allows the observation both of the solar rising and setting points throughout the whole year. The site shows great innovation by using the solar cycle and an artificial horizon to mark the solstices, the equinoxes, and every other date within the year with a precision of 1-2 days. It is thus a testimony of the culmination of a long historical evolution of astronomical practices in the Casma Valley. 

Encyclopedia Record: Chanquillo

Chankillo is an ancient monumental complex in the Peruvian coastal desert, found in the Casma-Sechin basin in the Áncash Department of Peru. The ruins include the hilltop Chankillo fort, the nearby Thirteen Towers solar observatory, and residential and gathering areas. The Thirteen Towers have been interpreted as an astronomical observatory built in the third century BC. The culture that produced Chankillo is called the Casma/Sechin culture or the Sechin Complex. The site was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in July 2021.

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