Team leader Jason said the monumental plaza may have served as a gathering place and ceremonial center for the early inhabitants of the Cajamarca Valley.
![Excavations of the stone circle at Callacpuma. — Jason Toohey/Science Advances](https://www.geo.tv/assets/uploads/updates/2024-02-17/531429_6149148_updates.jpg)
Are you curious about the echoes of ancient civilizations hidden in the layers of time?
A team of archaeologists led by Jason Toohey has unveiled a 4,700-year-old megalithic plaza atop a Peruvian mountain. Discovered during extensive excavations at the Callacpuma archaeological site, these remarkable structures are evidence of the ceremonial practices of a long-forgotten community.
The Callacpuma site, located in the scenic Cajamarca Valley, has been a center of archaeological exploration since 2015. The team's efforts, which lasted until 2022, resulted in a special plaza decorated with large upright stones forming concentric circles. This discovery provides a unique glimpse into the cultural and spiritual landscape of the ancient inhabitants who once thrived in this mountainous landscape.
Archaeologists who closely examined the features of the square identified a circular interior with two or three enclosed rooms, suggesting a controlled space with limited entrances. According to lead archaeologist Jason Toohey, this monumental plaza likely served as a gathering place and ceremonial center for the early inhabitants of the Cajamarca Valley.
As we moved deeper into the center of the square, excavations revealed a treasure trove of artifacts, including pottery fragments, “cup-shaped vessels,” crystals and carefully stacked vessels. The arrangement of these bowls, strategically placed to close one of the entrances, suggests a formal event commemorating an important event in the life of the square or community.
What makes this discovery even more interesting is its age. Dating back to 2850 BC, Kalafuma Square predates the construction of the Egyptian pyramids and matches the timeline of Stonehenge, making it one of the oldest structures in the Americas. This temporal context adds layers of meaning, leading us to consider the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations around the world.
The Andes have witnessed the emergence of other circular plazas, but the Callacpuma structure stands out. Unlike other squares, this one defies traditional norms with its upright stones and unique design, challenging our understanding of the region's architectural practices.
In the words of Jason Toohey, “This was probably a gathering place and ceremonial site for some of the early people who lived in this part of the Cajamarca Valley.”