Peru

Archaeological Destination

Peru amasses twenty thousand years of history in the vast assortment of archaeological treasures that make up its territory, a wealth that has earned it the title of "heart of the great civilizations of South America". And although the majestic Andes are world famous for having been home to the capital of the Inca Empire and wonderful cities from this civilization -like Machu Picchu- few know that the Peruvian coast was also the birthplace of some of the most significant pre-Hispanic cultures in South America. Thanks to its legacy, we have been able to discover the level of development achieved by ancient Peruvian civilizations, both architecturally and organizationally.

One of the most outstanding examples was the Moche culture, which flourished in the northern area of the Peruvian coast between 200 BC and 600 AD. Today, as a tribute to its important legacy, its name is used to refer to one of the most important tourist routes in the north of Peru: the Moche Route. This route includes cities and towns full of history and unparalleled archaeological wealth: a visit also involves an immersion in one of the most important cultures that settled in the north of Peru. The Moche Route is also characterized by the high concentration of very valuable archaeological sites, reflecting the traditions, beliefs, cultural identity and way of life of a highly religious people who built impressive pyramidal temples that highlight their great creativity.

The Lord of Sipán: a historical landmark of the Moche culture

The discovery of the tomb of the Lord of Sipán, in 1987, represented an important landmark in the world archaeological scene and the American continent; particularly because the mausoleum of a pre-Incan sovereign was found intact for the first time. This discovery also meant the most abundant burial site in America, a landmark of the same magnitude as other great discoveries of the twentieth century, such as the Warriors of Xian, in China, or the tomb of Tutankhamen, in Egypt.

In the province of Lambayeque, located in northern Peru, at the archaeological site of Huaca Rajada to be precise, a team of archaeologists led by Walter Alva reached the eternal resting place of an ancient pre-Incan ruler of the Moche culture, who had been buried with all his riches and symbols of command.

Studies revealed that the Lord of Sipán died some 1770 years ago and had been a sovereign who was almost treated like a demigod. Analyses established that he lived for approximately forty years and that he was buried following complex rituals and sacrifices. A total of 600 pieces of gold, silver and precious stones were also found in his tomb and the coffins of seven guardians and three young women were found along with his coffin, as well as the bones of a child and the skeletons of two llamas and a dog.

Shortly after the discovery of the main tomb, Walter Alva and his team found two more tombs: the Priest's tomb and that of the Old Lord of Sipán, thus putting the seal on an unprecedented event in archaeological discoveries.

Excavation work continues on the site more than two decades later, with further discoveries that have allowed archaeologists and historians to reconstruct an unknown part of the impressive culture that dominated much of northern Peru for centuries.

Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum

Given the importance of this discovery and the need to adequately house the Sipán treasures, Walter Alva promoted the construction of the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, which opened in 2002. Its design is inspired by the ancient truncated pyramids of the Moche civilization, and its interior houses more than two thousand gold pieces.

It is located 10 minutes by car from the city of Chiclayo. A little further away, you can also visit the Archaeological Site of Huaca Rajada, which was the scene of the discovery and is where the excavations continue today.

Thanks to the worldwide repercussion of this discovery, the Lord of Sipán became famous all around the world, turning the region of Lambayeque into one of the most important centers of cultural tourism in Peru and making the museum of the Lord of Sipán one of the most important in America.