Latest news with #Tiwanaku
Economic Times
3 hours ago
- Science
- Economic Times
Ancient temple discovery in Bolivia sheds new light on the mysterious Tiwanaku civilization
Archaeologists discover an ancient temple complex, Palaspata, in the Bolivian Andes. The temple belonged to the Tiwanaku civilization. It challenges previous understanding of Tiwanaku influence. The site reveals insights into Tiwanaku society, trade networks, and political geography. Artifacts like keru cups and exotic materials are found. The discovery helps to understand pre-Inca Andean history. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Archaeologists have uncovered a remarkable ancient temple complex in the Bolivian Andes that may redefine understanding of the Tiwanaku civilization , a precursor to the Inca Empire which flourished near Lake Titicaca over a thousand years ago. This newly discovered site, named Palaspata, is located about 130 miles southeast of the well-known Tiwanaku archaeological center, in the municipality of Caracollo, far beyond the previously recognized boundaries of Tiwanaku Palaspata temple complex is approximately the size of a city block, measuring about 410 feet long by 475 feet wide (125 by 145 meters). It consists of 15 quadrangular enclosures arranged around a central sunken courtyard. The architectural layout aligns with solar equinox rituals, indicating an important ceremonial function within Tiwanaku discovery is pivotal as it challenges prior assumptions about the territorial extent and influence of Tiwanaku society, suggesting a broader regional reach and strategic presence along major trade routes. The temple's location sits at a nexus connecting three distinct ecological zones: the highlands around Lake Titicaca, the arid Altiplano to the west, and the agriculturally productive Andean valleys of Cochabamba to the Tiwanaku civilization thrived roughly between 500 and 1000 CE, reaching one of the most powerful positions among early Andean societies. However, much remains unknown about its social structure, political organization, and eventual evidence from Palaspata reinforces that Tiwanaku had a highly organized societal hierarchy, reflected in monumental architecture such as pyramids, terraced temples, and monoliths, with the temple complex perhaps serving a central role in religious, economic, and political recovered at the site include keru cups used for drinking chicha—a traditional fermented maize beer—highlighting the importance of feeding and ritual feasting ceremonies. Notably, the maize and some ceramic goods originated from distant regions, signaling extensive trade networks spanning the Andes. Additional findings of exotic materials like turquoise beads and marine shells underscore this José Capriles, associate professor of anthropology at Penn State and author of the study published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Antiquity Publications, emphasized the importance of this find: "The temple's existence in this location is remarkable. It served as a gateway node materializing the power and influence of the Tiwanaku state."He noted that the society mysteriously collapsed around 1000 CE and was already in ruins by the time the Inca Empire rose in the 15th discovery compels a reevaluation of Tiwanaku's political geography. Previous research focused largely on sites near Lake Titicaca, but Palaspata's distant location suggests more extensive territorial control or its strategic position close to major trade routes like the present day La Paz-Cochabamba Highway indicates the role of Tiwanaku in integrating religious practices with commerce and governance across diverse Andean ecological temple findings contribute to filling gaps in knowledge about Andean civilizations predating the Inca and provide tangible evidence of early state-level social Palaspata temple is a significant archaeological breakthrough that deepens comprehension of Tiwanaku's complex society, its connection of sacred rituals with trade and political networks, and its place in the pre-Inca history of the Andes.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Science
- Time of India
Ancient temple discovery in Bolivia sheds new light on the mysterious Tiwanaku civilization
Archaeologists discover an ancient temple complex, Palaspata, in the Bolivian Andes. The temple belonged to the Tiwanaku civilization. It challenges previous understanding of Tiwanaku influence. The site reveals insights into Tiwanaku society, trade networks, and political geography. Artifacts like keru cups and exotic materials are found. The discovery helps to understand pre-Inca Andean history. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Archaeologists have uncovered a remarkable ancient temple complex in the Bolivian Andes that may redefine understanding of the Tiwanaku civilization , a precursor to the Inca Empire which flourished near Lake Titicaca over a thousand years ago. This newly discovered site, named Palaspata, is located about 130 miles southeast of the well-known Tiwanaku archaeological center, in the municipality of Caracollo, far beyond the previously recognized boundaries of Tiwanaku Palaspata temple complex is approximately the size of a city block, measuring about 410 feet long by 475 feet wide (125 by 145 meters). It consists of 15 quadrangular enclosures arranged around a central sunken courtyard. The architectural layout aligns with solar equinox rituals, indicating an important ceremonial function within Tiwanaku discovery is pivotal as it challenges prior assumptions about the territorial extent and influence of Tiwanaku society, suggesting a broader regional reach and strategic presence along major trade routes. The temple's location sits at a nexus connecting three distinct ecological zones: the highlands around Lake Titicaca, the arid Altiplano to the west, and the agriculturally productive Andean valleys of Cochabamba to the Tiwanaku civilization thrived roughly between 500 and 1000 CE, reaching one of the most powerful positions among early Andean societies. However, much remains unknown about its social structure, political organization, and eventual evidence from Palaspata reinforces that Tiwanaku had a highly organized societal hierarchy, reflected in monumental architecture such as pyramids, terraced temples, and monoliths, with the temple complex perhaps serving a central role in religious, economic, and political recovered at the site include keru cups used for drinking chicha—a traditional fermented maize beer—highlighting the importance of feeding and ritual feasting ceremonies. Notably, the maize and some ceramic goods originated from distant regions, signaling extensive trade networks spanning the Andes. Additional findings of exotic materials like turquoise beads and marine shells underscore this José Capriles, associate professor of anthropology at Penn State and author of the study published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Antiquity Publications, emphasized the importance of this find: "The temple's existence in this location is remarkable. It served as a gateway node materializing the power and influence of the Tiwanaku state."He noted that the society mysteriously collapsed around 1000 CE and was already in ruins by the time the Inca Empire rose in the 15th discovery compels a reevaluation of Tiwanaku's political geography. Previous research focused largely on sites near Lake Titicaca, but Palaspata's distant location suggests more extensive territorial control or its strategic position close to major trade routes like the present day La Paz-Cochabamba Highway indicates the role of Tiwanaku in integrating religious practices with commerce and governance across diverse Andean ecological temple findings contribute to filling gaps in knowledge about Andean civilizations predating the Inca and provide tangible evidence of early state-level social Palaspata temple is a significant archaeological breakthrough that deepens comprehension of Tiwanaku's complex society, its connection of sacred rituals with trade and political networks, and its place in the pre-Inca history of the Andes.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Ancient temple could reveal secrets of a lost society that predates the Inca Empire
Archaeologists say they have discovered the ruins of what they believe are the boundaries of an ancient temple belonging to the mysterious Andean society of Tiwanaku that disappeared around AD 1000. The research team unearthed the immense temple complex in the highlands of what is now Bolivia's municipality of Caracollo. The site is southeast of Lake Titicaca, a different region than where researchers had previously focused their search for clues that might help unravel the secrets of this lost society. The extraordinary find is roughly 130 miles (about 210 kilometers) south of the established archaeological site of Tiwanaku, the capital of the powerful empire that preceded the Incas. The latest findings were described in a study published on June 24 in the journal Antiquity. Called Palaspata after the native name for the region, the temple lies outside the borders of where Tiwanaku was previously known to have expanded, said Dr. José Capriles, a Bolivian archaeologist and associate professor of anthropology at Pennsylvania State University. Capriles, who was the lead author of the study, noted that the building's architectural elements, including a terraced platform and sunken courtyard, have a striking resemblance to the Tiwanaku style found in other parts of the Lake Titicaca region. 'We don't expect it in this particular place and the fact that it exists there is remarkable,' he said. The temple, which has a trail cutting through it from repeated travel by locals, is near a long-used Bolivian travel route, now called the La Paz–Cochabamba Highway, which connected three trade routes used by other societies that followed, like the Inca. The discovery of the ceremonial temple is shedding light on the interconnectivity of the lost society's various territories and how Palaspata could have served as a gateway for Tiwanaku society to expand its power in the region, according to the researchers. Who were the Tiwanaku? Archaeological investigations of Tiwanaku sites began in the 1860s, but researchers still have scant knowledge of the society. Most of what experts know has been deduced from studying ceramics, camelid remains, and other religious sites, such as Akapana, that dot the Andean highlands. Tiwanaku communities first emerged in an altiplano, or high plain, of the Andes called the Titicaca Basin, named after Lake Titicaca. Due to its location, farming crops, like maize, was difficult, so the people relied on llama caravans to connect the communities in the region and facilitate trade. The capital city of Tiwanaku, also called Tiwanaku, managed trade, commerce and interregional interaction, according to the study. 'Tiwanaku was what we call a primary state formation, meaning that it was a complex society that had complex social stratification,' Capriles said. The empire developed without external influence and 'emerged out of a series of prior agricultural societies.' Evidence of Tiwanaku objects, like pottery, suggests Tiwanaku people began to settle in that area around AD 700, as well as farther west in a valley that's now southern Peru, according to Dr. Nicola O'Connor Sharratt, associate professor of anthropology at Georgia State University. She was not involved in the study. Tiwanaku populations are also suspected to have lived in what is now northern Chile and in Cochabamba, Sharratt added. The Tiwanaku constructed Palaspata to further exert its sociopolitical influence over other societies in the area by controlling trade between regions, the new study suggests. 'The placement of this site is strategically located between two major geographic zones of the Andean Highlands,' Capriles said. 'This might have been sort of a nice strategic control outpost that not only controlled flow of goods in an economic and political sense, but it also did so through religion, and this is why it is a temple,' he said. 'The alignment of religious, political and economic institutions, which is how many of these institutions emerge, is something that I think people were kind of surprised about.' Uncovering a lost temple The temple Palaspata is only visible by its perimeter wall, which is outlined with red sandstone. While working on an unrelated archaeology project near the highway, researchers noticed the structure and decided it 'seemed significant,' Capriles said. They investigated the area further on foot and with drones. From the initial findings, Capriles was able to use 3D rendering to create a digital reconstruction of the temple. The structure is 125 meters long and 145 meters wide (410 by 475 feet) — about the size of a city block — with 15 modular enclosures that were likely rooms surrounding an inner courtyard. The building's main entrance faces west, aligned with the solar equinox and indicative of the temple's religious role in the society. While not much is known of Tiwanaku's spiritual practices, archaeologists have previously found stone monoliths and ceramics with plant- and animal-based symbolism that may allude to traditions known to be part of other pre-Inca societies. Researchers on past expeditions related to Tiwanaku commonly uncovered religious structures designed to highlight the landscape's natural features and align with key events in the solar cycle. Archaeologists have also found Tiwanaku pottery at the site, such as keru cups, typically used to drink some form of maize-based alcohol. This suggests that the building was likely used for parties or large gatherings, Sharratt said. Compared with other ancient societies, Tiwanaku remains enigmatic, and researchers have a limited, patchwork understanding of the civilization, according to Sharratt. Archaeological theories suggest that Tiwanaku collapsed because of a drought or environmental degradation. Others experts believe that both of these factors may have led to social tension and unrest, ultimately giving rise to a populist uprising. Why don't researchers know much about this cryptic society? Tiwanaku 'didn't fit some early archaeologists' ideas about what a state should look like or where you could have a thriving city,' Sharratt said. 'It hasn't necessarily met all of our expectations, so I think that's partly why.' Sign up for CNN's Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. Solve the daily Crossword
Economic Times
a day ago
- Science
- Economic Times
Ancient Bolivian temple unearthed; challenges everything we know about Tiwanaku
A significant Tiwanaku temple complex is discovered in Bolivian Andes. The Palaspata site reveals new insights into this pre-Inca civilization. Researchers find a large structure with enclosures and a courtyard. Artifacts suggest ceremonial use and extensive trade. This discovery expands the known reach of Tiwanaku influence. It highlights the civilization's complex organization and regional integration. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Cultural and economic insights Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Implications for Tiwanaku studies Archaeologists have uncovered a monumental temple complex in the Bolivian Andes, offering new insights into the Tiwanaku civilization , a precursor to the Inca Empire that flourished over a millennium ago. The site, named Palaspata, is situated approximately 210 kilometers southeast of the well-known Tiwanaku archaeological center, in the municipality of Palaspata temple complex was identified during a routine archaeological survey. Researchers, led by Dr. José Capriles from Penn State University and Bolivian collaborators, utilized aerial imagery and ground excavation to reveal a structure measuring 125 meters by 145 meters, featuring 15 modular enclosures surrounding a central sunken courtyard. The temple's alignment with the solar equinox suggests its role in ceremonial discovery is pivotal as it lies outside the previously recognized boundaries of Tiwanaku's influence, indicating the civilization's broader reach and strategic expansion. The temple's location near the La Paz-Cochabamba Highway, a major trade route, underscores its significance as a nexus for regional commerce and cultural uncovered at the site include keru cups, traditionally used for consuming chicha, a fermented maize beverage, suggesting the temple's use for communal feasts and rituals. Additionally, the presence of ceramics from distant regions and exotic materials such as turquoise beads and marine shells points to extensive trade networks and cultural interactions across the Palaspata temple provides tangible evidence of Tiwanaku's state-level organization, characterized by complex social stratification and centralized authority. The site's strategic placement and architectural features reflect the civilization's ability to integrate religious, political, and economic functions, challenging previous assumptions about its territorial extent and discovery enriches our understanding of pre-Inca societies and their mechanisms of control and integration across diverse ecological zones.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Ancient Bolivian temple unearthed; challenges everything we know about Tiwanaku
Cultural and economic insights Live Events Implications for Tiwanaku studies (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Archaeologists have uncovered a monumental temple complex in the Bolivian Andes, offering new insights into the Tiwanaku civilization , a precursor to the Inca Empire that flourished over a millennium ago. The site, named Palaspata, is situated approximately 210 kilometers southeast of the well-known Tiwanaku archaeological center, in the municipality of Palaspata temple complex was identified during a routine archaeological survey. Researchers, led by Dr. José Capriles from Penn State University and Bolivian collaborators, utilized aerial imagery and ground excavation to reveal a structure measuring 125 meters by 145 meters, featuring 15 modular enclosures surrounding a central sunken courtyard. The temple's alignment with the solar equinox suggests its role in ceremonial discovery is pivotal as it lies outside the previously recognized boundaries of Tiwanaku's influence, indicating the civilization's broader reach and strategic expansion. The temple's location near the La Paz-Cochabamba Highway, a major trade route, underscores its significance as a nexus for regional commerce and cultural uncovered at the site include keru cups, traditionally used for consuming chicha, a fermented maize beverage, suggesting the temple's use for communal feasts and rituals. Additionally, the presence of ceramics from distant regions and exotic materials such as turquoise beads and marine shells points to extensive trade networks and cultural interactions across the Palaspata temple provides tangible evidence of Tiwanaku's state-level organization, characterized by complex social stratification and centralized authority. The site's strategic placement and architectural features reflect the civilization's ability to integrate religious, political, and economic functions, challenging previous assumptions about its territorial extent and discovery enriches our understanding of pre-Inca societies and their mechanisms of control and integration across diverse ecological zones.
