Caral Norte Chico civilization in Peru shows 5000-year-old peaceful society with no weapons or warfare. Located 200 miles north of Lima in remote desert valley 5000+ year old metropolis with agriculture, monumental architecture, six step pyramids, amphitheaters, sunken plazas German archaeologist first discovered site 1905 but didn't recognize pyramids buried under earth

Caral in Peru: 5000+ year old metropolis with pyramids, amphitheaters, agriculture. 32 bone flutes, bone trumpets, monkey trade with Amazon — yet NO weapons, fortifications, or cemeteries found. Civilization declined around 1800 BCE with no mass graves 📯🐒

Key Facts

  • Located 200 miles north of Lima in remote desert valley
  • 5000+ year old metropolis with agriculture, monumental architecture, six step pyramids, amphitheaters, sunken plazas
  • German archaeologist first discovered site 1905 but didn't recognize pyramids buried under earth
  • Excavations began 1970s, major work 1990s
  • 32 flutes made of condor and pelican bones found in sunken plaza, 4000 years old
  • 30+ trumpet-like instruments made of deer and llama bones
  • Monkey faces depicted on flutes and site, monkey mummies found despite monkeys not native to region
  • Evidence of trade with Amazon region
  • Standing stone Hanka 7 feet tall used for astronomical purposes marking solstices
  • Male skeleton found on top of largest pyramid with back problems suggesting laborer
  • Crack through skull suggests possible ritualized sacrifice around 3000 BC
  • No weapons, defensive fortifications, or cemetery found
  • Sea lion bones found in elite section indicating trade with coastal peoples
  • Civilization disappeared abruptly with no mass graves or bodies

Related site: Caral-Supe — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.