Overview:

Complejo Arqueológico de Vicús is part of the northern archaeological region of Peru, located near the town of Lluta. The ancient settlement of Vicus, was part of the larger Mochica culture and reflects a complex and well developed urban society. Vicus remains have been found from around 900-800 B.C. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been studied and partially excavated since 1902. The settlement is an important place of archaeological interest. Its pictorial and polychrome pottery shows a strong link between the regional and coastal populations, especially in its use of sea shell elements. The site also provides evidence of a complex state organization, including specialized large workshops. Its builders used the coastal mountains for rituals, and were able to use geological phenomena like breakwaters and tidal lagoons for their protection and trading advantages. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Peru
Prominent Features:

1. The ancient temple: The main feature of the Complejo Arqueológico de Vicús is the earthen temple, which is believed to have been built in the mid-Chimu period. This earthen temple is a large raised round platform, which rises 10 meters above the rest of the complex. 2. The pyramid: The Complejo Arqueológico de Vicús also contains an impressive stepped pyramid. This structure has six steps, each one covered in carved stone reliefs depicting images of warriors, gods, and animals. 3. Grand plaza: Another prominent feature is the grand plaza. This large limestone plazas is surrounded by several adobe buildings, which in turn are surrounded by two walls with towers. 4. Adobe buildings: The adobe buildings around the grand plaza each served different purposes. There are two buildings that served as administrative buildings, one that served as a storehouse, and two residential compounds. 5. Platform mounds: The Complejo Arqueológico de Vicús also features several large platform mounds, which are raised structures located behind the grand plaza. These platform mounds may have served as tombs for the elite of this ancient civilization. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Peru.

History:

The Complejo Arqueológico de Vicús is an archaeological complex located in Lambayeque, in the northern part of Peru. It is composed of several places of the pre-Inca archaeological culture Vicús, which inhabited the northern coast of Peru between the years 200 BC-600 AD. Through archaeological excavations, the site has been found to have an important center of religious, political, and social organization as evidenced by the wide variety of artifacts and structures found in the site. Vicús was one of the oldest pre-Inca cultures and it was heavily influenced by the Wari, who were a pre-Inca civilization that flourished between 500-1000 AD. The Vicús constructed monumental adobe complexes, placed ceremonial plazas and platforms, and made pottery, stone carvings and metalwork that signified their power and influence. The complex was discovered in the late 19th century, but archaeological research did not begin until 1930, when German archaeologist Max Uhle led a systematic excavation of the complex. Uhle explored many of the important pieces from the Vicús culture such as the stone monoliths, stone walls, and adobe platforms. In the 1960s, North-American archaeologist Kenneth Lee explored the site and found many artifacts and constructed a timeline of the Vicús civilization. Today, the Complejo Arqueológico de Vicús is an important part of Peru's cultural heritage. The complex is the largest pre-Inca archaeological site in Peru and it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can explore the site and learn about the many architectural and cultural features of the Vicús civilization. The site is open for visitors and there are guided tours and research teams that can help visitors understand the history and importance of this ancient civilization. Visit one of the famous monuments of Peru with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Vicús archaeological complex is one of the oldest and largest pre-Columbian monuments in Peru. The complex is enormous, comprising more than 100 archaeological structures like temples, pyramids, and platforms spread over an area of approximately 350 hectares. 2. The site dates back to around 1000 AD, and was a major political and religious center during the Inca Empire. 3. Numerous objects were discovered in the complex, such as pottery pieces, polychrome sculptures, and jewelry made of semiprecious stones and gold. 4. The complex includes the ceremonial center and pyramid of Huaca de la Luna, which was built as a tribute to the moon. 5. The ancient builders of Vicús created impressive stone structures, which are believed to align with the movements of the sun and moon. 6. An interesting feature of the Vicús complex is the so-called ‘Trojan Horse’, a long, stylized sculpture of a horse made of clay and stone. 7. The archaeological site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2020. One of the historical monuments of Peru, it tells the story of a bygone era