Overview:

Huaca del Sol is an archaeological complex located to the north of the historic city center of Moche, Peru. It was built by the pre-Inca Moche civilization, which spanned northern coastal Peru between the first and seventh centuries CE. As one of the most important archaeological sites of the Moche civilization, Huaca del Sol served as a ceremonial center, though it may also have served as a palace or a temple. It is composed of two adobe brick pyramids, one of which was built on top of the other, and they range in height from 22 m to 40 m tall. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Peru
Prominent Features:

1. Large size: Huaca del Sol is the largest pre-Columbian adobe pyramid in Peru, measuring 140 m by 120 m at its base. 2. Ancient age: Huaca del Sol was built sometime around 900 AD by the Moche people, and is thought to have served as a temple to their sun god. 3. Polychrome murals: The pyramid contains various murals, some of which are still visible even though they have faded due to erosion. 4. Zana Valley tombs: A number of tombs have been found associated with Huaca del Sol, in the nearby Zana Valley, some of which contain human remains and artifacts such as ceramics. 5. Animal sacrifices: Numerous animal skeletons have been found buried around Huaca del Sol, including llamas and guinea pigs, which are believed to be the result of sacrificial rituals. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Peru.

History:

Huaca del Sol (also known as ‘Temple of the Sun’), is an ancient pre-Inca temple complex located near the Peruvian city of Trujillo, approximately 4 miles from the Pacific Ocean coast. Built between ad 700 and 1100, it is considered to be one of the largest pre-Columbian structures in South America. It is thought to have been an important ceremonial center of worship for the Moche culture. Over time it has changed shape due to looting and natural weathering, but its size and complexity remain impressive. The foundation of the temple was believed to have been completed by the first Moche ruler in the Middle Horizon period (800-1000 AD). The main structure of the Huaca del Sol is a rectangular pyramid-temple made of millions of adobe mud bricks, with three levels and walls covered in friezes showing religious symbolism and ceremonial postures. Inside, archaeologists have found various artifacts of fine metalwork including gold and copper, which suggests that religious and economic power were united in the complex. The palace measures about 230 m long by 60 m (750 ft by 197 ft) wide and is about 30 m (98 ft) in height. It was built from numerous adobe bricks, each weighing 20 kg (44 lbs). The temple once had two courtyards and more than 170 burials, serving as the religious and political center of the Moche culture. Many of the complex’s artifacts and sculptures were looted in the 16th century by Spanish conquistadors and removed from the site, making Huaca del Sol a ‘living history museum’ where one can attempt to piece together the complex’s past. Huaca del Sol was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990 for its archaeological significance. The complex is still being studied and excavated, and is open to visitors for guided tours. Visit one of the famous monuments of Peru with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Huaca del Sol is an ancient, pre-Inca ceremonial and administrative temple complex located in the Moche Valley on the northern Peruvian coast. 2. The Huaca del sol has three primary temple pyramids, each built on top of the other in the shape of a stepped pyramid. 3. The largest pyramid is estimated to contain over 130 million adobe bricks and is said to have once been the largest adobe structure in the world. 4. The Huaca del Sol is believed to have been built around AD 200 by the Moche people, one of the most advanced cultures in pre-Colombian South America. 5. Archaeologists have discovered a number of incredible artifacts inside the Huaca del Sol, including a life-size gold and silver figure of a warrior and gold weapons. 6. The Huaca del Sol was excavated in the 1920s by the famous German archaeologist Max Uhle and its artwork and artifacts are now housed in the local museum. 7. The Huaca del Sol was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. 8. In 2017, a drone survey was conducted to help further understand and explore the site, showing high-resolution maps of the area. One of the historical monuments of Peru, it tells the story of a bygone era