Description

Copyright infringement not intended

Context

Archaeologists have uncovered the 3,500-year-old ancient city of Penico in northern Peru. Following the demise of the Caral civilization, it was most likely an important commercial center connecting Pacific, Andean, and Amazonian cultures.

About the Ancient City of Penico

Location	Barranca Province, northern Peru (~200 km north of Lima)
Altitude	~600 meters above sea level, situated on a hillside terrace
Time Period	Founded between 1800–1500 BCE
Contemporaries	Early civilizations of Egypt, Sumeria, and India
Urban Layout	Central circular structure surrounded by 18 buildings made of stone and mud
Key Structures	Ceremonial temples, residential complexes, central plaza with sculpted reliefs
Artifacts Discovered	Clay figures (humans and animals), conch shell trumpets (pututus), beaded necklaces, ceremonial objects

Historical Significance of Penico

Trade Hub: Strategically positioned to facilitate commerce between coastal, highland, and Amazonian societies.
Post-Caral Evolution: Considered a cultural continuation of the Caral civilization, which declined as a result of climatic changes.
Cultural Insights: Provides information about urban development, trade, and ceremonial life in pre-Inca Peru.
Civilizational Comparison: Developed separately during the same period as the Bronze Age civilizations, but in geographical isolation.

Practice Question:

Q. Penico, often mentioned in environmental news, is located in which of the following countries?

A. Brazil
B. Peru
C. Chile
D. Bolivia

Answer: B. Peru