Archaeologists find a Wari archaeological complex in Peru
Archaeologists from the Autonomous University of Barcelona and the University of Almeria have made a significant discovery at El Trigal III in La Puntilla, Peru – a substantial complex belonging to the Wari civilisation. The Wari, also known as the Huari, thrived in Peru’s south-central Andes and coastal regions around AD 500.
The focal point of the Wari State was their capital, Wari, situated near Quinua in the Ayacucho Region. Unfortunately, prolonged droughts led to the decline of the Wari culture by AD 800, prompting the abandonment of major population centres by AD 1000, just before the Late Intermediate Period.
Recent excavations at El Trigal III, located on the northern slope of the La Puntilla mountain range, revealed an architectural complex with a two-story building, a courtyard, and storage facilities. Preliminary dating places the construction of this complex between the 7th and 10th centuries AD, representing a unique building type inhabited by elite members of Wari society.
The main structure spans 130 square meters and features robust stone and adobe walls supporting a second floor. Adjacent to this is a vast courtyard area with adjoining storage rooms, totaling over 500 square meters.
Researchers noted that this specific architectural configuration had not been documented in previous excavations. However, prior knowledge of a ceramic model with a similar design found in an Ayacucho burial site suggested premeditated planning for such constructions.
The findings from this excavation have been detailed in the journal Informes y Trabajos by the Spanish Cultural Heritage Institute. This discovery sheds light on previously unknown aspects of Wari architecture and provides valuable insights into the lives of elite Wari society members during the 7th to 10th centuries AD.
