Choquequirao

Archaeological investigations in Choquequirao

First period of archaeological research (1993-2004)
Although COPESCO made some criticized restorations of the Archeological Complex, on the other hand it has done a great task in the recovery, restoration, recognition and sectorization of Choquequirao. Among the most suggestive discoveries was a pavement buried beneath the floor of the Ushnu. It is a rectangular geometric shape, divided into smaller rectangular or quadrangular spaces. It is oriented according to the four cardinal points agreeing with the astronomical and calendric functions that the ushnu had at Inca times.

It is important to know that one of the archaeologists of COPESCO, Percy Paz Flores, asked by the writer Hugh Thomson (The White Rock), revealed some significant discoveries: a) at the time of abandonment, the inhabitants of Choquequirao were building other agricultural platforms, besides reconverting for agricultural use terraces that had once had ceremonial functions, and these works were left unfinished; b) several bodies (skeletons) have been found without burial, with obvious signs (broken skulls) of having been killed; c) many walls of the citadel had signs of being burned.This information creates perturbing shadows about the end of Choquequirao

New archaeological research (2004-2005)
According the intervention of the "Peru-France Fund", a scientific mission from France, led by archaeologist Patrice Lecoq, arrived in Choquequirao.

As demonstrated by the excavations made in 2004 by the French mission, the site of Choquequirao had several phases of pre-Inca occupation. According to the study of the domestic pottery found, a first period (between 1000 BC and 200 AD), a second one (between 500 dc and 1000 dc) and a third one (between 1000 dc and 1,400 dc).

Also is identified the Inca occupation period, with "Inca local" and "Inca imperial" type ceramics.

Although some constructions belong to the previous periods of occupation Patrice Lecoq emphasizes that Choquequirao grew, taking its definitive form and elegance, only under inca occupation.