Caral: The Oldest City in the Americas

Caral, located in the Supe Valley of modern-day Peru, is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the Americas. Often referred to as the "oldest city in the Americas," Caral's discovery has reshaped our understanding of pre-Columbian civilizations and their capabilities. This ancient city, dating back to around 3,000 BCE, predates other major civilizations in the Americas, such as the Mayans and the Incas, by thousands of years. The discovery of Caral in the early 21st century has provided invaluable insights into the early development of urban societies in the Western Hemisphere.

The city's existence remained a mystery until the 1990s when archaeologist Ruth Shady Solís led a team of researchers to excavate the site. Prior to this, the Supe Valley had been largely overlooked in archaeological studies, and the presence of a complex urban society in this region had not been fully acknowledged. However, upon excavation, it became clear that Caral was not only a thriving urban center but also a hub of advanced engineering, agriculture, and social organization. This was a society that had developed monumental architecture, sophisticated agricultural systems, and intricate trade networks, all without the use of writing or advanced metallurgy.

The significance of Caral’s discovery lies not only in its age but also in its role as a precursor to later civilizations in the Americas. Unlike other early societies, Caral’s development was not based on warfare or conquest but rather on peaceful economic exchanges, agricultural surplus, and a complex social structure. This has led researchers to reconsider the traditional view that urbanization in the Americas was solely driven by military power or external influences.

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Release date

Lydbog: 19. december 2024