Casma-Sechin Culture

The Casma–Sechin culture (c. 3600 BCE–200 BCE) of Peru refers to the large concentration of pre-historic ruins in the valleys of the Casma River and its tributary the Sechin River and along the nearby coast of the Pacific Ocean [1]. The ruins include major archaeological sites such as Sechin Bajo, Sechin Alto, Cerro Sechin, Mojeque, Chankillo, and Taukachi-Konkan, as well as other smaller sites [1]. Most of these inland sites are found in the river valleys about 20 kilometres distant from the ocean [1]. The seaside sites of Huaynuná and Las Haldas are found about 20 kilometres north and south of the mouth of the Casma River on the coast [1]. The area of the Casma/Sechin culture extended about 40 kilometres inland from the sea [1]. By 3000 BC, at a few locations in coastal Peru, including the Casma/Sechin valleys, a sizable population was present and undertaking large projects such as building pyramids and other ceremonial and monumental structures [1]. Radiocarbon dating indicates a plaza at Sechin Bajo was constructed in 3500 BCE [1].