Deforestation in the Peruvian province of Amazonas led to the discovery of a 14th-century citadel, Peruvian daily El Comercio reported Tuesday.
The citadel, made by the Chachapoyas people, is in a remote area known as Las Higueras and is mostly covered in trees, woody vines and other types of vegetation. It stands at an altitude of around 2,500 metres, surrounded by cliffs in the middle of the rainforest.
The citadel featured homes, terraces and walls more than two metres tall. It stretched over a surface of around 20 hectares, according to experts' estimates.
Local archaeologist Manuel Malaver said circular rooms, ramps and three small cemeteries have been identified at the site.
Months ago, a small architectural complex was found nearby, where experts discovered a silver chest plate and a score of arrow heads made of volcanic rock. Locals think that there may be more vestiges of the Chachapoya culture.
Biologist Leyda Rimarachin - of the sanctuary Cordillera de Colan, which stands about 5 kilometres away from the citadel - warned that the area is being exploited by illegal lumberers who turn it into grassland. She warned also that the archeological site was vulnerable to looting.
The Chachapoyas were a war-like people who lived in northeastern Peru and lived in the years 800-1470 AD, until they were subdued by the Incas.
Source: M&C [January 11, 2011]