Chan Chan decorative wallsCyArk
The Chimú were a civilization who lived on the northern coast of Peru and flourished between the 12th and 15th centuries. Their capital city Chan Chan, meaning “Sun Sun” in the Chimú tongue, was the largest adobe (mudbrick) city in pre-Columbian America.
Aerial image of Palacio Tschudi, Chan ChanCyArk
The city spanned twenty square kilometres and was built with a strict political and social divide. In the center ringed by high earthen walls there are nine large rectangular complexes known as citadels or palaces.
Aerial photograph of Chan Chan by CyArkCyArk
These complexes cover six square kilometres and contain temples, dwellings, storehouses, reservoirs and funeral platforms arranged around open spaces.
Pelican glyphs adorn the walls at Chan Chan by CyArkCyArk
The walls of the buildings were often decorated with friezes of human and animal designs.
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Some also show marine creatures like fish and seabirds, demonstrating how important the sea was to Chimú life.
Excavations are ongoing at the archaeological complext by CyArkCyArk
The site is now a popular tourist destination but excavation continues in certain areas of the site.
