Sipan Archaeological Complex
Lambayeque, Peru
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In 1987 the archaeologist Walter Alva discovered the tomb of one of the most powerful men of ancient Peru
Sipan Archaeological Complex
In 1987 the archaeologist Walter Alva discovered the tomb of one of the most powerful men of ancient Peru: the Lord of Sipan, who was one of the rulers of the Moche, or Mochica, a culture that dominated the northern coast between 100 and 800 A.D. and built adobe pyramids decorated with colorful murals — some of which are still in an excellent state of preservation.
The Lord of Sipán was covered in impressive ornaments of gold, silver, turquoise, and spondylus (a type of mollusk). Also found in the tomb where skeletal remains of women, children, and animals were sacrificed and buried to accompany him to the afterlife. The discovery drew worldwide attention, as it was the first tomb of an ancient Peruvian ruler to be recovered intact.
Sipan
The Sipán Archaeological Complex, also known as the 'Huaca Rajada,' or 'Split Tomb,' features an on-site museum that houses the artifacts found within the tomb itself. Additionally, the Sipán Museum of Royal Tombs in nearby Lambayeque exhibits the skeletal remains, jewelry, and ceramics, among other archaeological finds from the tomb.
General Information
In 1987 the archaeologist Walter Alva discovered the tomb of one of the most powerful men of ancient Peru: the Lord of Sipan, who was one of the rulers of the Moche, or Mochica, a culture that dominated the northern coast between 100 and 800 A.D. and built adobe pyramids decorated with colorful murals — some of which are still in an excellent state of preservation.
The Lord of Sipán was covered in impressive ornaments of gold, silver, turquoise, and spondylus (a type of mollusk). Also found in the tomb where skeletal remains of women, children, and animals were sacrificed and buried to accompany him to the afterlife. The discovery drew worldwide attention, as it was the first tomb of an ancient Peruvian ruler to be recovered intact.
SipanThe Sipán Archaeological Complex, also known as the 'Huaca Rajada,' or 'Split Tomb,' features an on-site museum that houses the artifacts found within the tomb itself. Additionally, the Sipán Museum of Royal Tombs in nearby Lambayeque exhibits the skeletal remains, jewelry, and ceramics, among other archaeological finds from the tomb.
General Information
- Location: 35 km (22 miles) from Chiclayo, Lambayeque District.
- Climate: warm
- Average temperature: with an average annual temperature of 20 ° C (68 ° F). During the summer the temperature may exceed 30 ° C (86 ° F); during winter it may drop to as low as 15 ° C (59 ° F).
- Season: Year-round.
- Access by Land: 40 minutes by bus from Chiclayo towards Huaca Rajada; to the city of Lambayeque, 10 minutes from Chiclayo towards the Sipán Museum of Royal Tombs.
