Forgotten Ruins That Are Even Older Than the Pyramids

Lisette Marie

December 4, 2025

The Ruins of Caral: South America's Oldest City

Photo Credit: Pexels @Hisham Zayadneh

Caral, located in the Supe Valley of Peru, is one of the oldest urban centers in the Americas, dating back to around 2600 BCE. This sprawling city spans over 150 acres and features large pyramids, sunken plazas, and residential areas. Unlike other ancient civilizations, Caral shows no evidence of warfare, suggesting a peaceful society focused on trade and agriculture. The discovery of musical instruments and evidence of textile production indicates a rich cultural life. Caral's sophisticated urban planning and architectural achievements challenge the perception that complex societies in the Americas emerged only with the rise of the Inca civilization.

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Forgotten Ruins That Are Even Older Than the Pyramids

The Ruins of Caral: South America's Oldest City

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