Pyramids of Tucum is a unique archaeological complex consisting of several pyramids. Located on the north coast of Peru near Chiclayo. It is the oldest stronghold of the religion of the Indian tribes of South America, which includes 26 clay pyramids.
Highlights
The pyramids of Tucum reach almost 40 m in height, and the largest one is Huaca Larga, which means "Long pyramid", has a length of almost 700 m.
The more correct name for all the pyramids of this complex is "huaca", i.e. temples built of adobe bricks. It also includes numerous courtyards, living quarters, corridors with decorated walls and warehouses.
As a result of historical research, it was found that the construction of the very first pyramids of the Tukume Valley dates back to 700-800 years. AD During these times, Tukume was considered the capital of the Lambayek Indians. However, the opinions of historians on the question of whether the cultures of Lambayeque and Sikan are equivalent concepts still differ. One way or another, the Indians of this time were engaged in lively trade with territories from the Amazon to present-day Ecuador and Colombia. Non-ferrous metallurgy and ceramic products became the basis of their trade relations. Already in 1375, the Lambayek culture fell under the rule of the Chimu kingdom, which, in turn, after another 75 years, submitted to the Incas. Despite the fact that Tukume played a very important role in the life of this Indian tribe, they nevertheless left the city of the pyramids in 1532. Historians associate their departure with a fire.swept Huaca Larga and destroyed it almost completely, something similar could be seen in India Goa, now a popular beach resort.
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This event consigned Tukuma to oblivion for a long time, and people even said that this place was cursed. To get rid of the curse, the locals even made human sacrifices. However, the old legends about the "fireworm" did not stop the treasure hunters, the so-called "black archaeologists". Naturally, the police in Peru relentlessly pursued them, and this whole adventure story once again reminded the world of the mysterious pyramids of Tucuma.
Only in 1988, the first scientifically organized research began, led by an ethnographer from Norway Thor Heyerdahl, which continued until 1994. The traveler found out that crowds of pilgrims flocked to the Tukume Valley, and the local priests were even well versed in astrology. In the burial place of one of the noble military leaders, many silver and gold jewelry, as well as ceramics, were discovered. Almost all of these artifacts are still on display to visitors to many museums in Peru. In addition, on the basis of the frescoes found here, Heyerdahl was able to prove that the Indian tribes of South America had a fairly well developed navigation. It is highly probable that their trade expeditions reached not only the Polynesian islands, but also more distant territories.
Even a person who is not particularly interested in history is probably more or less familiar with the Maya, Inca and Aztec Indian tribes. Some will also be able to name the Olmecs, Moche. However, many aspects of their life, housekeeping, religion still remain an unsolved mystery. Who knows, maybe it is the valley of the Tukume pyramids that will at least a little be able to lift the veil of this centuries-old mystery.