Chan Chan

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for other uses see Chan Chan (disambiguation)

Coordinates: 8°6′40″S, 79°04′32″W

Chan Chan Archaeological Zone*
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Overview of ruins of the Tschudi Complex, Chan Chan
State Party Flag of Peru Peru
Type Cultural
Criteria i, iii
Reference 366
Region† Latin America and the Caribbean
Inscription history
Inscription 1986  (10th Session)
Endangered 1986-
* Name as inscribed on World Heritage List.
† Region as classified by UNESCO.

The largest Pre-Columbian city in South America, Chan Chan is an archaeological site located in the Peruvian region of La Libertad, five km east of Trujillo. Covering an area of approximately 20 km², Chan Chan was constructed by the Chimor (the kingdom of the Chimú), a late intermediate period civilization which grew out of the remnants of the Moche civilization. The vast mud city of Chan Chan was built between c.850 and c.1470 and was the imperial capital until Chimor was conquered by the Inca in the 15th century. It is estimated that 30,000 people lived in the city of Chan Chan.

Reliefs of fish in the Tschudi Complex, Chan Chan
Reliefs of fish in the Tschudi Complex, Chan Chan
Pelican carvings, Chan Chan, excavated in 2004
Pelican carvings, Chan Chan, excavated in 2004

The city is composed of ten walled citadels which housed ceremonial rooms, burial chambers, temples, reservoirs and some residences. Each of these citadels has a rectangular configuration with a north-facing entrance, high walls, and a labyrinth of passages.

The walls themselves were constructed of adobe brick, and were then covered with a smooth surface into which intricate designs were carved. There are two styles of design present in these carvings: one is a ‘realistic’ representation of subjects such as birds, fish, and small mammals; and the other is a more graphic, stylized representation of the same subjects. While earlier civilizations concentrated on feline and anthropomorphic forms, the Chimú style shows a preference for maritime motifs. The carvings at Chan Chan depict fish, pelicans, and nets for catching various sea creatures. Chan Chan, unlike most other coastal ruins in Peru, is located extremely close to the Pacific Ocean.

Chan Chan was added as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. The city is severely threatened by erosion from El Niño, which causes heavy rains and flooding on the Peruvian coast. Present-day visitors to Chan Chan can enter the Tschudi Complex, believed to be one of the later citadels built in the city. There are also several other Chimú and Moche ruins in the area around Trujillo.


[edit] External links

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Chan Chan Archaeological Zone · Chavín Archaeological Site · City of Cuzco · Historic Centre of Lima · Historical Centre of the City of Arequipa · Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu · Huascarán National Park · Manú National Park · Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Pampas de Jumana · Rio Abiseo National Park
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Flag of Peru Archaeological sites in Peru