Chan Chan, Peru’s Amazing Adobe Ruin

Chan Chan (meaning "Sun Sun"), the archaeological site located near Trujillo in Peru, is the largest Pre-Columbian city in South America. It was the imperial capital of the Chimu Empire, Chimor, until it was conquered by the Inka in the 15th century. The vast mud city was built between c.850 and c.1470 and it is estimated that more than 30,000 people lived there, although strong seasonal fluctuation is suspected.
The city is made up of ten walled citadels which housed ceremonial rooms, burial chambers, temples, reservoirs and residences all interconnected by a labyrinth of passages. The walls themselves were constructed of adobe brick and decorated with intricate designs, which were carved into them. The designs are mostly of geometrical shapes and include both r View the rest of this article