Archaeologists in Peru have uncovered a 5,000-year-old fire altar once used for private ceremonies by the ancient Caral civilization, considered the oldest known culture in the Americas.
Ancient altar linked to elite ritual practices
The discovery was made at the Era de Pando site in the Supe Valley, about 200 kilometers north of Lima. According to Peru’s Ministry of Culture, the altar was part of a restricted ceremonial space used by Caral’s political and religious leaders.
Led by Dr. Ruth Shady, director of the Caral Archaeological Zone, the excavation team uncovered the altar next to the “C1” pyramidal structure, one of the site’s main public buildings.
The altar has a circular layout measuring seven meters across and is reached via a staircase that descends from a ceremonial hall. It opens onto a rectangular patio, about 16 by 8 meters, marking the area as an important setting for controlled rituals.
Researchers say the altar served as a secondary ceremonial space, connected to the primary activities held within the C1 pyramid. These altars were typically built inside major buildings or near residences of the elite, reinforcing their symbolic and political role.
Private offerings reflected Caral’s values
According to the Ministry of Culture, these rituals involved burning items such as quartz fragments, fish, shells, beads, and crops. These offerings were part of closed ceremonies involving selected community leaders and their close circles.
Dr. Shady explained that these altars reflect the knowledge systems and technological development of the time. She added that such practices helped shape the spiritual and political foundations of Caral society.
Strategic site with growing importance
Era de Pando covers nearly 58 hectares and contains 48 known structures, including large and small pyramids, temples, and elite residences.
The site sits on the lower right bank of the Supe River, 12.5 kilometers inland from the Pacific Ocean and 200 meters above sea level. Its position between ecological zones gave it access to both marine and agricultural resources, strengthening its role in trade and communication.
Originally, the Era de Pando had only one or two pyramidal buildings during the peak of the Sacred City of Caral-Supe, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over time, the site expanded and became a major node in Caral’s regional network.
The oldest complex society in the Americas
The Caral civilization, also known as the Norte Chico civilization, developed in coastal Peru around 3,000 BCE. It is known for its monumental architecture, planned settlements, and irrigation systems.
Notably, it grew without evidence of warfare, relying instead on shared rituals and ideological leadership. The civilization lasted until about 1800 BCE, after which its settlements were gradually abandoned.
Artifacts reveal daily life and belief systems
Excavations at Era de Pando have also recovered figurines, tools, and ceremonial objects that offer deeper insight into the lives of Caral’s people. These findings support the view of Caral as a well-organized society that maintained order through belief systems and public ceremonies rather than force.
The discovery of the fire altar adds new evidence of Caral’s advanced cultural practices. It also highlights Era de Pando’s expanding role in shaping the legacy of one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations.