Tag Archives: Peru

Monte Sierpe: Mysterious Thousands of ‘Holes’ in Peru Could Have Served as an Ancient Barter Market

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Monte Sierpe, meaning “Mountain of the Serpent” and informally referred to as the “Zone of Holes,” is situated in the Pisco Valley of southern Peru. It comprises around 5,200 meticulously aligned holes. Recent studies indicate that the site may have originally functioned as a barter market, bringing together a variety of people for trade.

Aerial view of Monte Sierpe looking northeast. Image credit: Jacob Bongers, University of Sydney.

Stretching over 1.5 km in the Pisco Valley of the southern Peruvian Andes, Monte Sierpe features approximately 5,200 carefully aligned holes (ranging from 1–2 m in width and 0.5–1 m in depth) arranged in distinct sections.

This extraordinary structure likely dates back to at least the Late Middle Period (1000-1400 AD) and was actively used by the Incas (1400-1532 AD).

Initially brought to modern attention in 1933 following an aerial photo published in National Geographic, the specific purpose of the monument remains a mystery.

Speculations about its function include various roles such as defense, storage, accounting, water collection, fog capture, and horticulture, but the actual intent continues to elude researchers.

“What led ancient people to excavate over 5,000 holes in the hills of southern Peru? Were they used for gardens? Did they provide water? Did they serve agricultural purposes?” inquires Dr. Jacob Bongers, a digital archaeologist from the University of Sydney.

“While we cannot ascertain their purpose, our new data offers significant clues and supports emerging theories regarding the site’s utilization.”

Utilizing drone technology, Dr. Bongers and his team mapped the site, uncovering numerical patterns in its layout that indicate intentional organization.

Interestingly, the archaeologists also found that the configuration of Monte Sierpe resembles that of at least one Inca quipu (an ancient knotted string for accounting) discovered in the same valley.

“This discovery significantly enhances our understanding of the origins and variety of indigenous accounting practices both within and outside the Andes,” noted Dr. Bongers.

Soil samples taken from the holes revealed ancient maize pollen, one of the Andes’ key staple crops, along with reeds traditionally utilized for basket making for millennia.

These surprising findings indicate that ancient people likely planted crops in the holes, using woven baskets and bundles for transport.

“This is quite intriguing. Perhaps this area functioned as a pre-Inca market, akin to a flea market,” remarked Dr. Bongers.

“We estimate that the pre-Hispanic population in this region was around 100,000. It likely served as a meeting point for traveling merchants, including llama caravan traders, as well as local professionals like farmers and fishermen to trade goods like corn and cotton.”

“Fundamentally, I believe these holes served as a form of social technology that unified individuals and later evolved into a comprehensive accounting system under the Inca Empire.”

“Numerous questions remain: Why is this monument unique to this location and not found throughout the Andes?”

“Was Monte Sierpe a type of ‘landscape’? – Nevertheless, we are gradually moving closer to unraveling the mysteries of this fascinating site. It’s genuinely exciting.”

Refer to the study published in the Journal on November 10, 2025 ancient.

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Jacob L. Bongers et al. Indigenous accounting and interaction at Monte Sierpe (“Band of Holes”), Pisco Valley, Peru. ancient published online on November 10, 2025. doi: 10.15184/aqy.2025.10237

Source: www.sci.news

Discovery of a New Marsupial Species in Peru

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Researchers have discovered a new species within the marsupial genus Marmosa from a single specimen found on the eastern slopes of the Andes in the San Martin region of Peru.

Marmosa Chachapoya. Image credit: Pedro Peloso.

Marmosa is a relatively small genus of neotropical mammals belonging to the family Didelphidae.

It represents one of three genera commonly referred to as mouse opossums, with the others being Tamarins and Tracuatine.

Marmosa Professor Sylvia Pavan from California Polytechnic University and her team stated:

“In addition to the naming of this species Marmosa, phylogenetic analysis has recently identified two potential new species from northern Peru. One has been classified under the subgenus Stegomarmosa, while the other is situated among the species of the subgenus Mikureus.

The new Marmosa species was found at altitudes where no other species of this genus had previously been recorded.

Designated as Marmosa Chachapoya, these animals exhibit reddish-brown fur and distinct mask-like facial markings.

They have a combined body and tail length of up to 25 cm (10 inches), with the body measuring approximately 10 cm (4 inches).

Researchers note that Marmosa Chachapoya is closely related to two species in the subgenus Stegomarmosa: Marmosa Repida and Marmosa Undersoni.

“I quickly realized this was an extraordinary find,” said Professor Pavan.

“Currently, we know very little about this species, as only a single specimen has been collected.”

To verify its classification as a new species, scientists analyzed its DNA and physical characteristics, concentrating on notable features such as the elongated nose and slender body.

“Marmosa Chachapoya is not the only new species discovered during our expedition,” Professor Pavan remarked.

“We have collected several other specimens, including new semi-aquatic rodents that have yet to be officially described.”

“These discoveries are crucial for biodiversity and conservation efforts, underscoring the ongoing mysteries of biodiversity in this region.”

“The results suggest that there are additional undiscovered species, many of which may be at risk without proper protection.”

“It emphasizes the significant role of scientific exploration and conservation in areas like the Rio Abysseo.”

The team’s paper was published in the journal Novitate at the American Museum on June 19, 2025.

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Sylvia E. Pavan et al. 2025. New species of Marmosa (Mammals, Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae) from Peru’s Parque Nacional del Rio Abysseo. Novitate at the American Museum 4037

Source: www.sci.news

Herpetologists Unearth Three New Frog Species in Peru

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Herpetologists have identified three new species of the Frog genus Pristimantis from the rugged, misty highlands of northwest Peru.

Pristimantis Chinguelas. Image credits: Chavez et al. , doi: 10.3897/evolsyst.9.148522.

To date, 619 species have been documented. Pristimantis is recognized as the most diverse group of amphibians.

This genus spans Central and South America, showcasing the highest diversity within the tropical Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

The newly discovered species include Pristimantis Chinguelas, Pristimantis Nunezcortezi, and Pristimantis Yonke.

“They are small and elusive,” remarked Dr. Jamen Chavez, a herpetologist at the Peruano de Herpetrogia Institute and the Centro de Ornitrogia y Biodiversidad.

“These frogs serve as significant reminders of the unknown aspects of the Andes,” he added.

All three species inhabit the páramo of the mountain ridge north of Abra de Portuilla, the lowest east-west route in the Peruvian Andes, along with the adjacent Elphin forest.

“Pristimantis Chinguelas is found on the cliffs of Cello Chinlinga, characterized by bodies accented with large, prominent nodules on each side. Their high-pitched calls resonate on damp nights,” the researcher noted.

“Pristimantis Chinguelas resides near a stream in the cool mountains of the regenerated forest. Its distinct black spots in the x-fossa and groin have been named in honor of ornithologist Elio Nuñez Cortez, a trailblazer for conservation efforts in the region.”

“Pristimantis Chinguelas, the smallest of the trio, was discovered amidst bromeliads at an elevation of about 3,000 m.”

“Exploring this area goes beyond fieldwork—it’s about immersing oneself in the wilderness, culture, and resilience,” shared Dr. Karen Victoriano Siguenas from the Institutes of Herpetrogia and Centro de Ornitrogia Biodiversidad.

“Many of these mountain ridges are isolated, lacking roads or featuring extreme terrain,” stated Dr. Ivan Wong, another herpetologist at the Herpetrogia Institute.

“Weather conditions can change dramatically within minutes, and the steep cliffs create significant challenges for every step taken.”

“It’s no surprise that very few scientists ventured into this region before,” he added, “which is precisely why so many discoveries remain to be made.”

The three new species are currently categorized as Data Deficient under IUCN standards, with scientists noting signs of habitat degradation, fire damage, and agricultural expansion.

“Cordilera de Juancabamba represents not just a remote region, but also a living archive of biodiversity and cultural heritage,” remarked Dr. Wilmer Aznaran, a forensic physician at Peruano de Herpetrogia and Centro de Ornitrogia Biodiversidad.

“We have barely scratched the surface of these riches.”

The team’s paper was published in the journal Evolutionary Phylogenetics.

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G. Chavez et al. 2025. Above: Three new species of terrestrial breeding frogs (Anura, Terrarana, Pristimantis) from the highlands of Cordillera de Juancabamba in northwest Peru. Evolutionary Phylogenetics 9(1):145-166; doi:10.3897/evolsyst.9.148522

Source: www.sci.news

Archaeologists Find Centuries-Old Temple and Theater in Peru

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The recently discovered structure predates the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu by approximately 3,500 years and was constructed long before the Inca Empire and its predecessors, as confirmed by a team of archaeologists. Ukupe Cultural Landscape Archaeological Project.

Newly discovered archaeological remains at La Otra Banda, Cerro las Animas, Peru, include carvings of mythical bird creatures. Image courtesy of Ukpe Cultural Landscape Archaeological Project.

“It was an amazing find. It speaks to the early origins of religion in Peru,” said Dr Muro Inoñan, an archaeologist at Peru’s National Archaeological Institute. The Field Museum.

“We still know very little about how and under what circumstances complex belief systems emerged in the Andes, but we now have evidence of some of the earliest religious spaces that people were creating in the region.”

“I don’t know what these people called themselves, or what other people called them.”

Dr. Inonhán and his team discovered a new archaeological site in La Otra Banda, Peru, in 2023.

They chose a section roughly 10 meters by 33 feet (10 meters by 33 feet) and began slowly removing sediment that had accumulated over thousands of years.

Just 1.8 metres (6 feet) deep, remnants of an ancient wall made of mud and clay were found.

“It was quite a surprise to see these very ancient structures so close to the modern surface,” Dr Inonyan said.

As archaeologists dug deeper, they found evidence that a temple once stood on the site.

“It appears that a huge temple was built on the slope of the mountain and parts of it have been discovered,” Dr Inonyan said.

“One of the most exciting things we found was a small theater with a backstage area and a staircase leading up to a stage-like platform.”

“It may have been used for a ritualistic performance before a selected audience.”

Archaeologists discovered an intricately carved clay slab depicting a bird-like creature next to the theater’s steps.

“It’s a very beautiful and at the same time an interesting design of a mythical creature – it looks like an anthropomorphic bird but also has reptilian features,” Dr Inonyan said.

“This figure stood out to us because it gives us important clues about when this temple was built and how this structure relates to other ancient temples built by earlier groups in the Andes.”

“Statues of mythical creatures similar to the one our team found have been found in Peru, where archaeologists have Initial PeriodThat’s about 4,000 years ago.”

“Despite the name, they were not the first people to inhabit this area. People have lived in Peru for 15,000 years.”

“Around 5000 to 3000 BCE, during a period known as the Pre-Pottery Period, people along the Peruvian coast began to develop societies and complex political systems.”

“Then came the Early Period, which began around 2000 BCE and lasted until 900 BCE.”

“The early stage is important because it’s when we first start to see evidence of institutionalized religion in Peru.”

“The bird creatures in this temple resemble figures known from the Chavin region from about 500 years later. This new site may help shed light on the origins of this religion.”

Source: www.sci.news

Peru Unearths 4,750-Year-Old Monumental Stone Square

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A team of anthropologists from the University of Wyoming, the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the University of New Hampshire has discovered a 4,750-year-old megalithic rotunda measuring 18 meters (60 feet) in diameter at Calakpuma in America's Cajamarca Basin. Peru. It is one of the oldest known monuments and megalithic structures in the northern Andes of Peru, and one of the earliest examples in the Western Hemisphere.

It is centered around a 4,750-year-old rotunda, with the modern city of Cajamarca in the background. Image credit: Toohey other., doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adl0572.

Monumental architecture is central to many aspects of the development of human social organization and social complexity, but the drivers of its origin remain poorly understood.

This form of architecture is intentionally built to be larger and, in some cases, more elaborate than necessary given the desired functionality.

The world's oldest ceremonial monumental architecture, whether represented by megalithic arrangements, large platforms or buildings, or bounded plazas, were larger than immediate households and were often larger than the population of the local area. was the result of a collective or corporate activity by a larger group.

Early well-known examples of this type of ceremonial architecture include Göbekli Tepe in Turkey, Stonehenge in England, and the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, which were built in 9,000 BC, 2,900 BC, and 2,900 BC, respectively. It was built by 2,650 AD.

Göbekli Tepe is of particular importance here, as it was built during the pre-Pottery Age, during the Neolithic period, by hunter-gatherer-forager tribes who were at the pinnacle of sedentary living and food production.

Early examples of monuments in the Western Hemisphere include Watson Brake and Poverty Point, which date to 3400 BC and 1700 BC, respectively.

The newly discovered megalithic square is Late preceramicIt dates back to 2850 BC.

The structure is located at the Calapuma archaeological site in the Cajamarca Basin in the northern Peruvian Andes and is built of large, free-standing, vertically placed megaliths.

This construction method has never been reported in the Andes and is different from other monumental rotunda in the region.

“This structure was built about 100 years before the Great Pyramids of Egypt, around the same time as Stonehenge,” said Dr. Jason Toohey, an anthropologist at the University of Wyoming.

“It was probably a meeting place and a ceremonial place for the early people who lived in this part of the Cajamarca Valley.”

“These people were primarily hunter-gatherers, and may have only recently begun growing crops and domesticating animals.”

Kalakpuma Square is formed by two concentric walls, approximately 18 meters in diameter.

“The Late Preceramic Period, during which Plaza Calapuma was constructed, was a period of socio-economic transition in the Andes,” the researchers said.

“On the central coast, the communities that came together to build giant mounds in places like Caral were not yet full-time farmers, but engaged in complex systems of exchange with coastal fishing villages.”

“Inland communities grew some food and industrial crops, but also relied on hunting and trading seafood.”

“In the northern highlands of Peru, the people who built the plazas of Calapuma may have begun experimenting with food production, but they were also probably still relatively mobile hunter-gatherers.”

“Like Nanchoc centuries earlier, groups in Cajamarca may have engaged in the construction of enterprises in Calapuma's plaza and subsequently repeatedly negotiated group identity there through the integration of events and perhaps feasts.”

“The construction of Late Pre-Peraque monumental ceremonial buildings in the coastal and highlands of the central Andes probably originated from small groups, as was the case with earlier monumental mass buildings outside the Andean region of South America, such as Göbekli Tepe. It represented a change in the social world with changes in the associated belief systems into more collective and locally focused beliefs and actions.”

of findings It was published in the magazine scientific progress.

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Jason L. Twohey other. 2024. A monumental stone plaza located at an altitude of 4750 meters in the Cajamarca Valley in Peru. scientific progress 10(7); doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adl0572

Source: www.sci.news