Batán Grande facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Batán Grande
Batán Grande Location in Peru
Location	Peru
Established	Sican era

The Batán Grande or Sicán Archaeological Complex is an amazing ancient place in Peru. It's like a giant puzzle left behind by an old civilization. This special site was once home to the Sican culture, a group of people who lived here many centuries ago. You can find Batán Grande north of Chiclayo in the Lambayeque Province.

Scientists believe that Batán Grande was built and used between the years 800 and 1200 A.D. This means it's over 800 years old! It was a very important center for the Sican people. The site is also part of a protected area called the Historic Forest Sanctuary of Pómac.

What is Batán Grande?

Batán Grande is an archaeological site, which means it's a place where scientists study the remains of ancient human activity. It helps us learn about how people lived long, long ago. This complex is famous for having about 50 identified pyramids. These aren't like the pyramids in Egypt; they are often made of adobe bricks and look more like large mounds.

The Sican Culture

The Sican culture was a group of people who lived in the northern coastal area of Peru. They were very skilled artists and engineers. The Sican people were known for their beautiful metalwork, especially using gold. They created amazing masks, ornaments, and other objects. Batán Grande was one of their most important cities and religious centers.

Pyramids and Ancient Buildings

The pyramids at Batán Grande were not just tombs. They were also used for religious ceremonies and as homes for important leaders. The Sican people built these structures using adobe bricks, which are sun-dried mud bricks. Over time, many of these pyramids have become covered by sand and plants, making them look like natural hills.

Archaeologists have found many interesting things inside and around these pyramids. They have discovered tombs with rich treasures, showing how important the people buried there were. These discoveries help us understand the Sican culture's beliefs and daily life.

Exploring the Site Today

Today, Batán Grande is a protected area and an important place for visitors. It's part of the Pómac Forest Historic Sanctuary, which is also home to a unique dry forest ecosystem. When you visit, you can see the remains of the ancient pyramids and imagine what life was like for the Sican people. It's a great way to connect with history and learn about Peru's rich past.

See also

• Pómac Forest Historic Sanctuary
• In Spanish: Batán Grande para niños

Images for kids

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  A view of Huaca El Loro, one of the pyramids at Batán Grande.