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Peru

Huaca del Sol

Largest pre-Columbian adobe pyramid in Peru

Time Periods

Paleolithic

Paleolithic

Mesolithic

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Neolithic

Chalcolithic

Chalcolithic

Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Iron Age

Classical Period

Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Early Modern Period

Early Modern Period

Industrial Period

Industrial Period

Contemporary Period

Contemporary Period

Location

About

The Huaca del Sol is a monumental adobe pyramid located in the Moche Valley near Trujillo, Peru, built by the Moche civilization between 100 CE and 800 CE. As the largest pre-Columbian adobe structure in the Americas, it initially stood about 50 meters tall. The pyramid served as a center for ritual and ceremonial activities, as well as a royal residence and burial site, evidenced by its complex structure of four main levels. The Moche constructed the Huaca del Sol through an additive process, layering over 130 million adobe bricks, many marked by different communities, reflecting a collaborative construction effort. Its historical significance is marked by its role in Moche culture and the extensive damage it suffered from Spanish looting efforts in the 17th century, as well as ongoing erosion challenges.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Huaca del Sol

FileHuaca_Sol_lou.jpg
FileHuaca_del_Sol_southeast.jpg
FileMuseoHuacasDeMoche.jpg

Archaeological Features

Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

Burial and Funerary Structures

Pyramids

Religious and Ritual Structures

Temples

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Peru
Source
Wikipedia