Discovery of Ancient Astronomical Structure at Chankillo

The Peruvian Ministry of Culture has announced the discovery of an early Andean structure that predates the Chankillo solar observatory, long considered the earliest known observatory in the Americas.

The structure was uncovered during ongoing archaeological excavations at the Chankillo Archaeoastronomical Complex, situated within the Casma river valley in Ancash, Peru,

The region encompassing the Casma River and its tributary, the Sechin River, contains a high concentration of ancient ruins associated with the Casma–Sechin culture (c. 2000–1000 BC), renowned for possessing some of the oldest monumental architecture in the Americas.

According to an official press statement issued by the Peruvian State, the structure exhibits a clear solar orientation, indicating it was purposely engineered for observing celestial movements.

While preliminary dating of the structure relies on stratigraphy and construction materials, impending radiocarbon dating is anticipated to significantly extend the established timeline of architectural planning for astronomical systems in pre-Hispanic Peru.

Furthermore, excavations revealed a corridor specifically aligned with the lunar cycle. This intentional design feature suggests that the ancient inhabitants of Chankillo observed not only the sun’s annual passage but also the more complex rhythms of the moon.

Image Credit : Peruvian State

This dual astronomical focus underscores a level of scientific knowledge far more advanced and diverse than previously documented within the field of Andean archaeology.

“These discoveries solidify Casma’s position as one of the world’s most important ancient astronomical centres. The Ministry of Culture continues its restoration and enhancement work on the Thirteen Towers and the Solar Observatory, with the objective of opening this section of the site to the general public in the coming years,” stated the Ministry of Culture.

2,300-Year-Old Fortified City Discovered in Kashkadarya

Archaeologists from the Samarkand Institute in Kashkadarya, southern Uzbekistan, have announced a major discovery: the remains of a fortified city dating back 2,300 years. This significant archaeological find in Uzbekistan provides new insight into ancient Central Asian trade routes.

The ancient city was discovered on a mound near the village of Pastol, positioned at the eastern section of Kamashinsky District. Known locally as Baburtepa archaeological site, the location was continually occupied for roughly a millennium from the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD.

According to a current survey, the city covered a place of 6 hectares (14.8 acres) and likely served as a major trading centre that linked Bukhara with Khorezm. The ancient trading center Uzbekistan site features significant architectural remains.

Over the past two years, trenches opened across 3 sectors have revealed the foundations of the town`s fortifications, including a fort, guard posts, and shielding walls.

Image Credit : Samarkand Institute

According to project co-lead Sanjar Abdurakhimov, the central region of the web site likely served as a palace or ceremonial hall. Archaeologists exposed a spacious chamber, adjacent rooms, and fragments of vividly colored ancient wall paintings, imparting unique perception into historic artistic traditions of the region.

Beyond enormous architecture, the town seems to were a thriving hub of craft production. Excavations found out pottery workshops, stone-slicing regions, garage vessels, and a wealth of ceramics. Figurines, amphorae, and funerary urns display extraordinary craftsmanship, with positive patterns suggesting cultural ties to the Seleucid and later Kushan empires.

The Kashkadarya discovery comes amid a surge of archaeological interest within the Kashkadarya oasis. In 2025 alone, researchers registered extra than one hundred previously undocumented sites.

The Samarkand Institute plans to hold with destiny excavations as a long time assignment, cause on uncovering the executive quarters and home regions that may offer solutions at the political agency and every day existence of the inhabitants of this ancient Central Asia history site.