Bolivian archaeologists have unearthed an ancient complex located approximately 215 km (130 miles) southeast of the historic Tiwanak site. This large modular structure, featuring integrated sunken courtyards, bears a striking resemblance to the terraced temples of Tiwanak, indicating significant national investment.

The ancient society near the southern shore of Lake Titicaca was once among the most influential civilizations in Bolivia.

Known as Tiwanak, this society is regarded by archaeologists as one of the earliest instances of Andean civilization and a precursor to the Inca Empire, yet it mysteriously vanished around a millennium ago.

“Much remains enigmatic about the Tiwanak civilization,” remarked Pennsylvania archaeologist Jose Capriles.

“Their society disintegrated around 1000 AD, long before the Incas seized control of the Andes in the 15th century.”

“At its zenith, Tiwanak showcased a well-organized social structure, leaving behind architectural remnants like pyramids, terraced temples, and monoliths. While most of these artefacts are found around Lake Titicaca, Tiwanak’s influence extended much farther, though the exact boundaries of its control remain debated.”

“The newly uncovered temple complex is situated about 215 km south of the historically recognized Tiwanak site, known to local indigenous farmers but inadequately studied by researchers due to its unassuming setting.”

“However, the site’s location is quite strategic.”

During the Tiwanaku period, it linked three major trade routes across diverse ecosystems, with the fertile highlands around Lake Titicaca to the north.

This has led researchers to conclude that the site must have been significant in connecting communities.

“People traveled, traded, and erected monuments at pivotal points across the arid mountainous terrain,” Dr. Capriles said.

“Upon discovering an unmapped rectangular area, we employed various techniques to visualize the region.”

“The function of the site was unclear, so I integrated different satellite images.”

“We also carried out a series of UAV missions to capture high-resolution images.”

“Using photogrammetry—a method that constructs 3D models from photographs—we achieved a more detailed visualization of the structure and its surrounding landscape.”

Stone alignments identified an ancient temple named Palaspata, derived from the local terminology.

This temple complex spans roughly 125 m in length and 145 m in width, featuring 15 rectangular enclosures surrounding a central courtyard.

The layout seems to align with rituals that coincide with the sun’s zenith, particularly when it is directly above the equator.

Paraspata Temple. Image credits: Capriles et al., doi: 10.15184/aqy.2025.59.

Using the information gathered, researchers created reconstructions to visualize what the ancient Palaspata temple may have looked like.

The temple’s surface contained numerous fragments of Kelcups, which were used for consuming chicha, a traditional corn beer, during agricultural festivals and ceremonies, suggesting the temple was a key trade hub.

This highlights that corn was cultivated in the Cochabamba valley, indicating the temple’s role in facilitating connections among various culinary traditions on its elevated grounds, thereby enhancing access to an assortment of products.

“The temple likely served a spiritual function, as evidenced by the interconnections that managed trade and harvest distribution within designated ritual spaces,” noted Dr. Capriles.

“Most economic and political dealings were likely mediated through divinity, since this was a common framework for fostering cooperation among disparate individuals, as religion often serves as a unifying force among different groups.”

“The discovery was a revelation, even for local inhabitants,” commented Jas Ventura Guaralo, the mayor of Caracoro, where the site is located.

“The archaeological findings at Palaspata are vital as they unearth significant aspects of local heritage that have been largely ignored.”

“This discovery is crucial for our community, and we regard its documentation as invaluable for boosting tourism and showcasing the region’s rich history.”

The team’s paper was published today in the journal Ancient.

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Jose M. Capriles et al. 2025. Gateway to the East: Palaspata Temple and the southeast expansion of Tiwanak. Ancient 99 (405): 831-849; doi: 10.15184/aqy.2025.59