Ancient astronomical observatory in massive D-shaped temple found in Cusco, Peru

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Archeology is fascinating. Imagine finding secrets of ancient civilisations while digging the Earth. It’s so powerful. Very recently, archeologists working at Espiritu Pampa archaeological site in Southern Cusco region unearthed a massive D-shaped temple surrounded by large stone walls and containing an ancient and central astronomical observatory for magical-religious rituals, as well as ceramics showing the presence of pre-Hispanic Wari and Inca cultures in the region.

ancient astronomical observatory cusco, ancient astronomical observatory was found in Cusco
The massive D-shaped temple found in Cusco. via Andina

The stone walls seems to be part of a massive D-shaped temple. This architecture belongs to Wari culture, a society that flourished in South-Andean Ayacucho region and stretched over Cusco’s rainforest.

ancient astronomical observatory cusco, ancient astronomical observatory was found in Cusco
The stone walls, which are part of a massive D-shaped temple found in Cusco. via Andina

Another D-shaped structure was found in the middle of the temple. Given its symbolic location, it is believed to have served as an astronomical observatory for Wari’s magical-religious rituals.

ancient astronomical observatory cusco, ancient astronomical observatory was found in Cusco
A smaller also D-shaped structure was found at the center of the temple and is believed to have served as an astronomical observatory for Wari’s magical-religious rituals. via Andina

The team of archeologists also discovered two spaces built with small stones within the temple. Tooth fragments of some sort of local animal were found in the first one; as well as two Wari style ceramic bottles, a silver chest plate, and a silver crown or headdress in the second.

ancient astronomical observatory cusco, ancient astronomical observatory was found in Cusco
The team also discovered two spaces built with small stones within the temple: one with animal teeth and the other one containing two Wari style ceramic bottles, a silver chest plate, and a silver crown or headdress in the second. via Andina

One of the bottles features a human face with big eyes, a nose, and a mouth. But the most remarkable feature is the crown painted over its head: a sign that the area housed elite government figures during Wari’s zenith.

ancient astronomical observatory cusco, ancient astronomical observatory was found in Cusco
One of the bottles features a human face with big eyes, a nose, and a mouth and a remarkable crown painted over its head. via Andina
ancient astronomical observatory cusco, ancient astronomical observatory was found in Cusco
This crown means that a sign that the area housed elite government figures during Wari’s zenith. via Andina

In addition, the research team found evidence of Inca architecture with square and rectangular shapes beside the temple. One of the structures housed Inca tupus (pins), silver needles, and ceremonial pottery.

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