From the outside, this ancient complex looks more like the back of a giant dinosaur. It is located on the Peruvian coast in the Ancash department in the Kasma oasis and consists of thirteen equidistant towers, which are located a few hundred meters from the top of a long hill.
But it turned out that this is the oldest solar observatory in America. It is believed that it was built by representatives of a civilization that is unknown to modern science. The height of each of the thirteen towers is not the same and varies from 2 to 6 meters. The total length of this row is about three hundred meters. The gaps between the towers are exactly the same and equal to five meters.
The Chanquillo Towers have been known to scientists for a long time, but a more accurate study of them began only in 2000. The first thing that archaeologists suggested regarding the purpose of the ancient complex was its protective function. Scientists made this conclusion due to the specific technique of stone laying, which was more typical for fortresses. But this version was not confirmed, since this fortification cannot be protected, there are many entrances, there is no water supply.
In 2007, a new and more believable version was put forward: the Chanquillo towers were built to observe the movement of the sun in the sky. Also, thanks to the complex, people could accurately determine the time of the spring equinox and the winter solstice. This version is confirmed by the fact that there is also a temple of the sun, in which the rituals were carried out.
When they began to check this version, it turned out that the towers really accurately show the time of sunrise: the very first - on the summer equinox on December 21, the last - on the winter solstice on June 21. Scientists believe this sun observation allowed people to engage in agricultural activities and was also used for ceremonies.
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An interesting feature is that Chanquillo is located just a few kilometers from the Pacific Ocean. Moreover, the Mongon Hills rise between the ocean and the towers. These hills are believed by archaeologists to be a natural barrier against fogs that could make it difficult to see at the observatory.
The exact time of the appearance of the thirteen towers in Peru has not yet been determined. This happened roughly between 500 and 200 BC. The ancient complex has been under construction for 25 years. Also, scientists do not know the civilization that lived at that time on these lands. But judging by the speed of the construction of such a large and precisely oriented architectural structure, it becomes clear that this civilization had a high degree of organization.
In 2013, the complex of 13 Chanquillo towers was declared a UNESCO heritage site. The most important task now is to restore and preserve the unique ancient monument. In addition, it is also the only ancient observatory in which observations of the sun cover a full annual cycle.