Cantalloc Aqueducts
Peru

Cantalloc Aqueducts

Ancient Nazca culture water management system.

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Historical Context

About

The Cantalloc Aqueducts, located near the city of Nazca in Peru, are an elaborate system of water management features constructed by the pre-Inca Nazca culture approximately 1,500 years ago. This intricate network of over 40 aqueducts, known as puquios, was designed to channel water from underground aquifers through a series of carefully engineered underground canals. The strategic placement of open holes along these canals allowed wind to facilitate water movement, ensuring a consistent water supply to the arid Nazca region throughout the year. This innovation enabled the cultivation of vital crops such as cotton, beans, and potatoes, underscoring the Nazca's advanced understanding of hydraulic engineering and their ability to adapt to challenging environmental conditions. The Cantalloc Aqueducts not only highlight the ingenuity of the Nazca culture but also stand as a testament to their sustainable agricultural practices.

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

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File02-Aqueductos_de_Cantalloc-nX-32.jpg
Temporal Epochs

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Nazca Culture Aqueduct Construction

500 CE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Water Management Features

AqueductsIrrigation Canals
Knowledge Base

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Reference

Details

Country

Peru

Coordinates

-14.83° N, -74.91° E