Archaeologists have discovered a complex of hidden passages and galleries deep in the ancient temple complex
Some of the dark and isolated roomsmay have been used for sensory deprivation. And some of the larger galleries are for idol worship, explains John Rick, an archaeologist at Stanford University who led the study.
“Stone-lined passages, corridors, rooms,chambers and alcoves large enough to pass through. We can say for sure that galleries perform a variety of functions, but they are all connected with ritual activities,” the expert noted.
Some cameras were used for storageritual equipment, including the famous carved decorative pipes made from giant shells. Scientists have suggested that they were also used in ceremonies.
Two stone bowls, one of which is decorated with the head and wings of an Andean condor, were found in the gallery of the hidden complex. Image courtesy of John Rick/Programa Chavin
Strictly speaking, newly discovered passagescannot be called tunnels because they were not dug into the ground. They were built inside a huge temple complex that the ancient people built in stages between 1200 BC. and 200 BC.
The passages were hidden for more than 3,000 years.Now, after 15 years of excavation, scientists have found a total of 36 galleries and associated “tunnels.” The last network of passages was discovered only a few years ago and was not explored until this year.
The temple complex at Chavín de Huantar is named afterhonor of the mysterious Chavin people, who lived on the Pacific coast and in the Andes in what is now Peru. It is located approximately 430 km north of Lima, in a mountain valley at an altitude of more than 3,000 m.
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