Definition: The archaeological site of Pachacamac, Peru was a major religious center located in the Lurin Valley in the Andes Mountains about 25 miles from Lima. Pachacamac was founded in the first century AD, but was clearly in a great location; it contains administrative structures built by the Huari state (about 650 AD) as well as the Inca state (1450-1532).
Pachacamac saw its own fluorescence between these two invaders (ca. 1000-1450), before it was pretty much destroyed by the Spanish in 1532. The site still contains several pyramids of Huari, Pachamacac and Inca construction. Pachacamac was excavated by the German archaeologist Max Uhle in the late 19th century.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
Pachacamac saw its own fluorescence between these two invaders (ca. 1000-1450), before it was pretty much destroyed by the Spanish in 1532. The site still contains several pyramids of Huari, Pachamacac and Inca construction. Pachacamac was excavated by the German archaeologist Max Uhle in the late 19th century.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
