In February, archaeologists in India rejoiced when they carved out the details concerning a 2,500-year-old city , thought larger than the infamous classical Athens. In this article, you will also learn of a Peruvian plaza dating back 5,500 years that could rival the Pyramids of Giza milestones.
India is Home to a Rediscovered 2,500-Year-Old City
In the eastern state of Orissa, researchers uncovered the city under the ruins of an ancient fort. Discovered about six decades ago, the ruined fort revealed 18 pillars, keeping company with the remnants of the grand city at Sishupalgarh. Some of the findings that an archeological team consisting of Indians and Americans include household pottery and terracotta ornaments , all of which shed light on the advancements that the culture made in the past.
An archaeologist from the University of California stated that the site was “the most visible standing architectural monument discovered in India.” Its size is also a topic of discussion, as it possessed four gateways and had the capacity to accommodate up to 25,000 inhabitants. When taking a look at classical Athens, the most people that the city could have housed were 10,000 people. The city shows the signs of importance, as it has sturdy walls and a large expanse.
The pillars may shed light on certain customs, rituals, or traditions, as it is believed to have been used for public gatherings or special functions. There is one question that researchers would like to answer , what happened to the city? How was it destroyed?
5,500-Year-Old Plaza Found in Peru
In a combined effort, German and Peruvian archaeologists have uncovered a ceremonial plaza dating back 5,500 years close to the north-central coast of Peru. This discovery will mark the oldest known urban settlement in the Americas, discovered underneath Sechin Bajo, an archaeological site located about 370 kilometers north of Lima , the city’s capital. The plaza measures 14 meters in diameter and signifies a rather important find. Excitement is abuzz because researchers believe they have come across one of the oldest structures in Peru and possibly in the Americas.
The plaza is circular in structure and it thought to date back to around 3500 BC. If so, this would place it older than the Great Pyramid of Giza. What’s more interesting is that additional sections of situated below the plaza may prove even older than above the primary site. Deeper in the earth, about four to five more plazas are situated. This shows that the structure was rebuilt more than once with some pinpointing the track record as every 100 to 300 years.
Another find that archeologists have uncovered includes an adobe frieze containing the image of a man that measures two meters tall. The frieze is dated to have existed 3,600 years ago.
Prepare for the 2008 Unexplainable Recap of Exciting Headlines in March to learn more about human bones discovered in Tampa and the significance of an ancient skull found in Greece.