Markahirka facts for kids
Main chullpa in Markahirka, 2013.
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| Alternative name | Marcajirca |
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| Location | Peru, Ancash Region, Huari Province |
| Coordinates | 9°22′14.65″S 77°7′47.50″W / 9.3707361°S 77.1298611°W |
| Area | 13 ha |
| Height | 3,580 metres (11,745 ft) |
Markahirka or Marka Hirka is an amazing ancient place in Peru. Its name comes from the Quechua language. Marka means "village" and hirka means "mountain." So, Markahirka means "village mountain."
This special spot is an archaeological site. That means it's a place where people find old things from long ago. At Markahirka, you can see ancient cave paintings and stone tombs called chullpas.
It is located in the Ancash Region of Peru. You can find it in the Huari Province, near the towns of Cajay and Masin. Markahirka sits high up on a mountain, about 3,580 meters (11,745 feet) above sea level.
From Markahirka, you get incredible views. You can look down into the Puchka valley. You can also see the towns of Huari and Huachis from this high point. It's like a natural lookout tower!
Contents
Discovering Markahirka's Secrets
Markahirka is important because it shows us how people lived a very long time ago. Archaeologists study places like this to learn about ancient cultures.
Ancient Art: Cave Paintings
One of the coolest things at Markahirka is the cave paintings. These are drawings made on rock walls inside caves. Ancient people used special colors to create pictures. These paintings can tell us about their daily lives. They might show animals, people, or even mysterious symbols. Studying them helps us understand their beliefs and how they saw the world.
Mysterious Tombs: Chullpas
Markahirka is also home to stone tombs called chullpas. These are tall, tower-like structures made of stone. Ancient people built chullpas to bury their dead. They were often used for important people or families. Each chullpa is like a small house for the deceased. They show how much respect ancient cultures had for their ancestors. The main chullpa at Markahirka is a great example of this ancient building style.
A High-Up Location
Being so high up, Markahirka was likely a significant place. It might have been a lookout point for defense. Or perhaps it was a sacred place for ceremonies. The views of the Puchka valley and nearby towns would have been very important to the people who lived here centuries ago.
See also
In Spanish: Marcajirca para niños
