Ventanillas de Otuzco facts for kids
Partial view of the archaeological site.
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 Location in Peru
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| Location |  PeruLos Baños del Inca District, Cajamarca Province |
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| Coordinates | 7°7′33″S 78°27′27″W / 7.12583°S 78.45750°W |
| Type | Settlement |
| History | |
| Periods | Early Intermediate |
| Cultures | Chavín – Moche |
Ventanillas de Otuzco is an amazing ancient site in Peru. It is located in the Los Baños del Inca District, about 8 kilometers (5 miles) northwest of the city of Cajamarca. The name "Ventanillas" means "little windows" in Spanish. This is because the site has many small, window-like openings carved into volcanic rock. These openings were used as special burial places, like tombs or crypts, for people who lived there long ago.
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Discover the Ventanillas de Otuzco Site
The Ventanillas de Otuzco are a fascinating archaeological site. They show us how ancient people in Peru buried their dead. The site is famous for its unique rock-cut tombs. These tombs are carved directly into the side of a large volcanic rock formation.
Where are the Ventanillas Located?
The site is found near a village also called Otuzco. It is in the Baños del Inca District, which is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) northeast of the city of Cajamarca. The entire area of the site covers about 1,700 square meters (18,300 square feet). This makes it a significant place to explore ancient history.
When Were the Ventanillas Used?
The Ventanillas de Otuzco are very old. They date back to a time between 300 BCE and 200 CE. This period is known as the Early Intermediate period in ancient Peruvian history. During this time, different cultures like the Chavín and Moche were important in the region. The Ventanillas were likely used by people from these early cultures.
What Were the Ventanillas Used For?
The main purpose of the Ventanillas de Otuzco was for burials. They served as special places where the dead were laid to rest. Each "window" or opening leads to a small chamber inside the rock. These chambers were individual tombs or family crypts. This way of burying people tells us a lot about their beliefs and customs.
Exploring the Ancient Tombs
When you visit the Ventanillas, you can see how carefully these tombs were made. The ancient people carved these openings with tools, showing great skill. It's like looking into a puzzle of history, where each window holds a secret from the past. Archaeologists study these sites to learn more about the ancient civilizations of Peru.
See also
- Ventanillas de Otuzco para niños (Ventanillas de Otuzco for kids - in Spanish)
