Unique Chachabamba Complex Hidden In Peruvian Forest Reveals Its Secrets

Conny Waters - AncientPages.com - Covered by tropical forest in Peru, a large part of Chachabamba still remains unexplored, but scientists are now investigating a unique ceremonial complex within this archaeological site.

These Inca ruins, located not far from Machu Picchu consist of buildings and altars that indicate the place was once an important religious site.

Credit: PAP - Science in Poland, Szymon Zdzieblowski

Polish archaeologists are now investigating a large boulder with carved altars, stairs, and possibly a groove.

Chachabamba was used from the beginning of the century and the surroundings fountains contain the importance of water flow in Inca beliefs.

"Water always flowed through them, because according to Inca beliefs, only flowing water had the power to wash away sins", says the head of the Centre for Andean Studies at the University of Warsaw in Cusco, Professor Mariusz Ziółkowski.

Incas’ ritual washing of the body involved not only water, but also blood.

Credit: PAP - Science in Poland, D. Sieczkowska

Scientists are now trying to determine how such a complex system of canals supplied water to the pools. They have been able to determine that the source of water was a waterfall found in the vicinity.

“Water was supplied to the ceremonial complex by means of a system made of stone blocks, which partially ran underground.

After passing through the ceremonial centre, thanks to a similar drainage system, water flowed to the river in the valley,” Science in Poland reports.

Credit: PAP - Science in Poland, D. Sieczkowska

At the site, archaeologists have discovered “fragments of delicate and decorated ceramic vessels”.

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The bathhouse was played an important part in the main ceremonies of the Inca calendar. “It was extremely important to cleanse the sins by washing the whole body. After this act, one had to discard old clothes and wear new clothes.

Credit: PAP - Science in Poland, D. Sieczkowska

"The first contact of Europeans - conquistadors - with the representative of the highest Inca authority took place in a very similar ceremonial complex.

The Spaniards were granted an audience with Atahualpa, a pretender to the Inca throne, while he was performing ritual ablutions in the Conoc baths near Cajamarca,"Professor Ziółkowski explained.

Written by Conny Waters – AncientPages.com Staff Writer