Aspero
3D reconstruction of one of the temples of Aspero | |
Aspero Location in Peru | |
| Location | Lima, Peru |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 10°48′56″S 77°44′28″W / 10.8156°S 77.741°W |
| Type | Settlement |
| History | |
| Founded | c. 3700 BC |
| Abandoned | c. 1800 BC |
| Periods | Pre-ceramic |
| Cultures | Norte Chico civilization |
Aspero is a well-studied Late Preceramic site archaeological complex located near the mouth of the Supe River, south of Supe Puerto, on the central coast of Peru. It forms part of the ancient Caral-Supe civilization and was occupied during the Late Archaic period, from around 3700 BC to around 1800 BC. It is connected culturally to the ancient city of Caral, located 25 km up-valley, for which it presumably served as a major fishery. The site covers an area of approximately 14 hectares (35 acres) and features numerous temples or huacas, of which the most prominent are the Huaca Alta, the Huaca de los ídolos and the Huaca de los Sacrificios. Remains of human sacrifice have been found in the latter, dated to about 4,500 years ago.