In the central Andes, the ancient pre-Inca Chavín culture was established, one of the most important cultures of the pre-Inca era. If you want to learn everything about this ancient civilization that lived in Peru, you can visit the Chavín de Huántar Archaeological site, in the Ancash region. Today we will show you the highlights of this archaeological complex so that you are encouraged to visit it on your next vacation and be a destination that you should visit in Peru.
Chavín de Huántar the largest archaeological complex of the Chavin culture
If you are interested in knowing the mysteries of the Chavín culture, you can visit the Chavín de Huántar Archaeological complex, where you can learn about its culture and learn about its wonderful architecture.
This complex houses the most important sculptures such as the famous ‘Cabezas Clavas’ and the ‘Monolithic Lanzón’. Along with these, also appear its archaeological centers of worship that attract attention for its architecture. It stands out for its terraces and squares, which are surrounded by carved stone structures. Among the most important and impressive are the area of the Pyramid of Tello, the Circular Square, the Rectangular Square, the North and South North Platforms, the New Temple and the Old Temple.
Chavin culture
Without a doubt, one of the most amazing ancient civilizations that inhabited the current Peruvian territory is the Chavín. This community, which developed in the northern part of the country, had its main ceremonial center in the Ancash region. Today, this place is known as the Chavín de Huántar Archaeological Site, a space that houses stone sculptures and other artistic expressions of this ancient civilization. In addition, within this site appears its ceremonial center to which they went to leave offerings to their gods, and to receive answers from these deities.
On the other hand, the Chavin culture is one of the oldest civilizations in South America. They say that it existed between 1500 and 300 BC. Also, this ancient civilization was discovered by the Peruvian archaeologist Julio C. Tello, who made important contributions to the Chavín and Paracas cultures. Likewise, Tello was responsible for founding several museums of cultural sites.
According to historians, the Chavín were a society that was divided between priests and warriors. The latter covered a large part of the resources, while the other members of the community were forced to produce more. It is said that this civilization was theocratic, that is, it was directed by the priests. These leaders were responsible for building large buildings in honor of their gods to ensure the progress of the community.
As for its economy, the Chavín culture was based on agriculture, hunting, fishing and livestock. Among the crops, corn, sweet potatoes, cassava and beans stood out. In addition to this, they carried out other activities related to crafts such as goldsmithing, sculpture, painting, among others.
Meet the Chavín de Huántar temple
This temple was built in two stages called Old Temple and New Temple. The first, which has a U-shape, has underground galleries with cells. In addition, it has niches in the walls and protruding nails for lighting. The Old Temple is located in the “Monolithic Lanzon”, one of the supreme divinities of the Chavín culture.
As for the New Temple, it is characterized by having a wider structure. Also, this temple is preceded by the Pórtico de las Falcónidas, a construction that has two cylindrical columns of black stone in the center that supports a cantilever shaped cornice.
