Archaeologists have discovered a 3,500-year-old city named Peñico in northern Peru’s Barranca province, believed to be a major trading hub linking Pacific coast, Andes, and Amazon communities.

Founded between 1800-1500 BC, Peñico offers new insights into the fate of the Americas’ oldest civilization, Caral.

The site features 18 structures, including temples and homes, with artifacts like clay sculptures and seashell necklaces, the BBC has reported.

Peñico’s strategic location suggests it was a continuation of Caral society, which thrived 5,000 years ago but declined due to climate change.

Written by B.C. Begley