Context
Archaeologists in Peru have discovered a structure at Áspero that was likely used for astronomical observations, revealing early scientific practices in the Caral civilisation.
About Áspero
- Áspero is a late preceramic archaeological site linked to the Norte Chico (Caral-Supe) civilisation, one of the oldest known civilisations in the Americas.
- It is situated on the right bank of the Supe River, close to the Pacific Ocean, highlighting its strategic coastal location.
- The settlement was inhabited from before 3000 BC to around 1800 BC, making it part of the Late Archaic period.
- It functioned as a major urban and fishing centre, supplying marine resources to inland settlements like Caral.
- The site features monumental architecture, including platform mounds and sunken circular plazas, indicating advanced planning and social organisation.
- Archaeological evidence of 25 architectural complexes and elite burials (such as the Lady of the Four Tupus) points to a stratified society with trade networks connecting coast, highlands, and forests.
- Beyond economic activity, Áspero served as a centre for ritual and scientific knowledge, where astronomical observations helped inhabitants understand environmental patterns and manage resources effectively.
