Archaeologists in Peru have discovered a 3,500-year-old temple
Archaeologists in Peru have discovered a 3,500-year-old temple belonging to the first fishermen of Gramalote, a village of shark hunters on the sea near Huanchaquito, according to a report in Peru This Week.
Until recently, it was believed that the villagers travelled for hours to get to their temples. However, the latest finding reveals that the fishermen had their own temple where they carried out ritual ceremonies.
Excavations of the temple, which is located in the highest area of the town, unearthed a central ceremonial patio with steps and what appears to be a platform. At the back of the temple are private areas connected by a long hallway. Post holes and remnants of totora reeds suggest that the centre of the plaza was given shade by a roof made from the reeds held up by posts. The bodies of three children were found in the post holes, most likely sacrifice victims.
In one half of the temple, researchers found male-associated artifacts, like fishing tools, while in the other half, they found female-associated objects, like tools for weaving.
“We think that, in this temple, in addition to being the setting for large celebrations, was a place where young people were brought together so they could be taught how to be a productive member of society,” said archaeologist Gabriel Prieto.
http://www.ancient-origins.net/news-history-archaeology/temple-discovery-peru-sheds-light-life-ancient-shark-hunters-001875
