Archaeologists have discovered an amazing round structure in the Andes
(ORDO NEWS) — Archaeologists have discovered an amazing circular structure in Vasquiri, near the Bolivian-Chilean border.
The researchers claim that this is a pre-Hispanic ceremonial center with unknown features in the Andes, which is unlike any other structures in the region.
The imposing circular structure has a perimeter ring consisting of 39 adjoining buildings, each with an area of 106 to 144 m2, and surrounds an area of approximately 1 hectare.
Hilltop plots are connected to agricultural production areas by a variable number of concentric terraced walls.
Artifacts dating to the Late Intermediate and Late Periods indicate that the structure was in use between 1250 and 1600 AD.
According to the 16th-century priest Bartolome Alvarez, Vasquiri was the site of religious ceremonies in honor of the Sun, including Inti Raimi, the Inca Sun festival.
It is one of the most important annual ceremonies of the Incas and is traditionally celebrated in Cusco on June 24, the winter solstice.
The possible similarity of the perimeter walls to the Inca temple system has led archaeologists to speculate that the Incas copied the symbolic architecture of Cuzco in the areas they colonized.
The researchers identified 135 hilltop locations associated with agricultural production areas by a variable number of concentric terraced walls in a study.
These sites have numerous circular walled structures and patterned funerary towers, indicating their religious significance.
Archaeologists believe that these places could be used for various religious and ritual purposes, including the storage of grain and the holding of sacrifices.
It is also possible that they played an important role in the management and control of agricultural production areas.
Some researchers also suggest that these places could be associated with the cult of the Sun or the Moon.
However, there is still no unequivocal answer to the question of what exactly these structures were and what their real function was.
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