UNESCO World Heritage SiteUNESCO Heritage
Tiwanaku
Bolivia

Tiwanaku

Pre-Columbian Andean city with monumental architecture.

Location

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Historical Context

About

Tiwanaku is a significant Pre-Columbian archaeological site located in western Bolivia, near Lake Titicaca. Spanning roughly 4 square kilometers, this ancient city was a hub of the Andean civilization, featuring monumental structures, ceremonial platforms, and intricately carved stone monoliths. The city is characterized by its complex agropastoral economy, supported by trade, and its religious significance as a center for ceremonies. Major structures include the Akapana, a man-made platform mound, and the Pumapunku, with its massive stone terraces. Tiwanaku's sophisticated understanding of astronomy is evidenced by the alignment of its structures with celestial bodies. The city's decline around 1000 CE is thought to be linked to climate change and a resultant decrease in agricultural productivity.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations

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FileEdificio_de_la_segunda_Epoca_-_Vista_de_la_izquierda_1903-1904.jpg
FileMonolito_Fraile_Tiwanaku_Bolivia_36936733575.jpg
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Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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Tiwanaku Foundation

110 CE

Growth and Expansion

375 CE

Collapse of Tiwanaku

1000 CE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Defensive Structures

Moats
category

Water Management Features

Irrigation Canals
category

Religious and Ritual Structures

TemplesCeremonial PlatformsSacred Wells
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Artistic and Decorative Features

MonumentsStatues
category

Agricultural and Land Use Features

Terraces
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Domestic and Habitation Structures

CitiesCourtyards
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Environmental and Natural Features

Artificial Mounds
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Astronomical and Timekeeping Structures

Observatories
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

Reference

Details

Country

Bolivia

Coordinates

-16.55° N, -68.67° E