Purunllacta (Cheto) facts for kids
 Location in Peru
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| Location | Peru |
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| Region | Amazonas Region, Chachapoyas Province, Cheto District |
| Coordinates | 6°17′6.4″S 77°42′46.6″W / 6.285111°S 77.712944°W |
Purunllacta (also called Purum Llacta) is an ancient place in Peru. Its name comes from the Quechua language. Purum or purun means "wild" or "wasteland." Llaqta means "place," like a village, town, or even a country. So, Purunllacta means something like "wild place" or "place in the wilderness."
This archaeological site was built by the Chachapoya culture. It is located in the Amazonas Region of Peru. You can find it in the Chachapoyas Province, specifically in the Cheto District. The site sits on a mountain that shares the same name, Purunllacta. It is also close to another site called Purunllacta in the Soloco District.
The government of Peru has recognized Purunllacta as a very important historical site. It was declared a National Cultural Heritage on April 2, 2003. This means it is protected and valued for its history and what it teaches us about the past.
Contents
Who Were the Chachapoya People?
The Chachapoya people were an ancient culture in the Andes region of Peru. They lived in the cloud forests of the Amazonas Region. This area is high up in the mountains, often covered in mist. They were sometimes called the "Cloud Warriors."
The Chachapoya built many impressive stone structures. These included fortresses, tombs, and settlements. Their buildings often had unique circular or rectangular shapes. They also decorated their walls with geometric patterns.
Chachapoya Culture and Life
The Chachapoya were skilled builders and farmers. They grew crops like corn and potatoes on terraces built into the mountainsides. They also raised llamas and alpacas.
Their culture had rich traditions. They created beautiful pottery and textiles. They also had complex burial practices. They often buried their dead in cliff tombs or mausoleums. These were built into the sides of steep cliffs.
What Can We Learn from Purunllacta?
Archaeological sites like Purunllacta are like giant puzzle pieces. They help us understand how ancient people lived. By studying the ruins, experts can learn about the Chachapoya's daily lives. They can also find out about their beliefs, their art, and how they organized their society.
Purunllacta shows us how the Chachapoya adapted to their mountain environment. Their buildings were strong and lasted for many years. This tells us they were very clever engineers.
Protecting Ancient Sites
It is very important to protect places like Purunllacta. They are part of Peru's history and the world's heritage. When a site is declared a National Cultural Heritage, it means it is legally protected. This helps prevent damage or theft.
Protecting these sites ensures that future generations can also learn from them. It helps us understand human history and how different cultures developed over time.
See also
In Spanish: Purum Llacta (Cheto) para niños
