usatoday24
Between the VII and XVI centuries the northeastern Andes of what is today Peru saw a rich civilization that planted the Incas: The Chachapoyasthe “cloud forest people.” There, between 2,000 and 3,000 meters above sea level, its people raised funeral and ceremonial constructions that over the centuries ended up devoured by weeds. One of his greatest legacies is Great Pajaténin the San Martín region. Archaeologists have known him for decades, but when studying it with new techniques, such as Lidar scanthey have been surprised. They knew only a small part of the complex.
What they have found is so interesting that the World Monuments Fund (WMF) He already speaks of the greatest archaeological milestone in the region since the 80s.
What happened? That Peru has just given a pleasant surprise to historians. Especially those dedicated to the study of pre -Hispanic civilizations. A few days ago the WMF) revealed that a group of researchers have identified and documented more than a hundred archaeological structures in the Great Pajaténone of the most important archaeological deposits of ABISEO RIVER NATIONAL PARKin the Peruvian Amazon. In fact It is also known as “the lost city of the Chachapoya” or “El Dorado del Antisuyo”.
Why is it important? For several reasons. The study not only provides information that helps understand the settlement. It also helps us to know better the civilization to which it represents: The Chachapoya (“People of the cloud forest”), a pre -Columbian culture that flourished between The VII and XVI centuries and shone among other issues for its constructions, such as the impressive Kuelap fortressa citadel located at 3,000 meters above sea level in what is now the Luya province; or the Great Pajaténwith its circular stone buildings, decorated terraces, winding paths and platforms.
And who were the Chachapoya? An outstanding part of the history of ancient Peru. As Remember the WMFthe civilization flourished between the VII and XVI in the northeastern Andes of what is now Peru, organizing around regional manors. Despite the steep terrain they managed to adapt and demonstrate their ability as architects: they built settlements with characteristic circular, friez and mausoleum constructions. Not just that. They also managed to resist the thrust of the Inca, although they ended up subjected in the fifteenth century.
What have they discovered exactly? The Great Pajatén is known For decadesis in an environment cataloged by UNESCO And archaeologists had already been in charge of examining it before. In fact, in the 60s they documented 18 structures and time later, in the 80s, they expanded the list to the 26 elements. Now the experts They have discovered that was just the tip of the iceberg.
With the help of new techniques and resources, the expedition led by the WMF has identified more than 100 archaeological structures that give a new dimension to the settlement. So relevant is the finding that the organism speaks of the “first important discovery in the region since the 1980s.” “More than duplicate the number of known archaeological structures”, celebrate.
What tells us all about the great Pajatén? A lot. The site It was discovered In 1963 And since then archaeologists consider it “one of the most notable Chachapoya sites that are preserved”, with ceremonial buildings decorated with friezes and stone mosaics that represent human figures. The problem is that experts failed to make an overall image of the Chachapoya complex or its reach. The reason? Much of its architecture was still hidden, covered by the lush vegetation of the Peruvian high jungle.
That handicap and the lack of perspective had so far conditioned the image that experts had of the deposit. “Its scale, function and chronology were subject to continuous speculation”, They point out from WMFwhich recalls the “unique and highly fragile ecosystem” that surrounds the settlement, in the Abyseo River Park. To shield it the authorities even restrict tourists’ access.
And what conclusions have they taken? At the entrance, researchers have confirmed that the Chachapoya presence in large pajatén can be traced to the fourteenth century. And that at least. There are certain clues that suggest “a significantly earlier occupation.” During their expedition they also detected a nearby network of pre -Hispanic paths that connect the whole with the beach, papayas or slopes, which For the WMF It supports “a broader interpretation of the complex as part of a hierarchical and interconnected territory.”
“The team documented an architectural set composed of multiple interconnected sectors. This allows us to understand the great Pajatén in its true magnitude, not as an isolated set, but as part of an articulated network of pre -Hispanic settlements of different periods,” Comment Juan Pablo de la Puente, WMF manager. “This finding radically changes the dimension of the site and raises new questions about the role of Pajatén in the Chachapoya world.”
How have you discovered it? If great Pajatén has been known for more than half a century and until now the dense vegetation had prevented archaeologists from deepening their study, the following question is obvious: what has changed? Why have you discovered new constructions now? The answer is simple: experts have resorted to new tools that have allowed them to see through that green mantle without altering the environment or damaging structures.
The key is in the Lidar scan aerial and manual, photogrammetry, topographic record and technomorphological analysis. Thanks to them, experts have been able to get up The dense mantle of vegetation to take a look at what is underneath, map everything, study the architectural techniques used in the settlement and how it adapts to its surroundings. “Everything without damaging the delicate landscape or its architectural vestiges”, insist From the International Federation.
Have you done anything else? “Thanks to the use of advanced technology, our team was able to collect extraordinary visual and scientific documentation that gives life to the great Pajatén, preserving its delicate environment,” celebrateBénédicte de Montlaur, WMF president. “Although the site remains inaccessible to most people, these tools will allow us to share their meaning.” The team has presented In the Lima Museum Images of his works, between 2023 and 2024.
To complete their mission, the researchers also performed conservation tasks, cleaning vegetation in a “controlled” way and reinforcing the stairs, mosaics and an exterior wall. All, They insist from the organization“without altering its authenticity.” “This work constitutes a pioneer intervention that will serve as a model for future conservation actions in the area,” adds Dr. Ricardo Morales Gamarra, one of the experts who participated in the project.
Images | World Monuments Fund (Heinz Flenge Pardo) and
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings