Excavation of an Ancient Throne Room in Peru

In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists in Peru have unearthed a monumental chamber adorned with intricate murals of serpents, alongside a pillared hall featuring a weathered throne. This remarkable site, known as Pañamarca, offers compelling evidence that a powerful woman held sway over this region more than 1,300 years ago.

Pañamarca served as a significant religious and political hub for the ancient Moche civilization, which thrived for centuries in northern Peru. The Moche are renowned for their impressive architectural feats and advanced irrigation systems, predating the rise of the Inca Empire that eventually conquered the Andes.

The latest discoveries, reported by a dedicated team of researchers late last month, shed new light on Moche rituals and mythology. They also contribute to the growing body of evidence suggesting that women occupied influential positions within Moche society, challenging the long-standing notion of a culture predominantly ruled by male warriors and kings.

“There are several aspects of this extraordinary discovery that are of great significance,” remarked Gabriela Cervantes Quequezana, an archaeologist not directly involved in the excavations. “While we have encountered depictions of women in tombs before, the depth and complexity of the findings at Pañamarca are truly unparalleled.”

The throne room is lavishly decorated with paintings that portray a woman seated on a similar throne, welcoming visitors. Among the murals are depictions of a crown, the crescent moon, marine life, and scenes of a weaving workshop. The throne itself, constructed around A.D. 650, exhibits noticeable wear on the backrest, indicating that it was frequently occupied. Additionally, the researchers discovered colorful stones and strands of human hair embedded within the throne.

“It is quite rare for us to encounter a crowned woman seated on a throne within a structure, presiding over court,” stated Lisa Trever, a professor of art history and archaeology at Columbia University and a member of the Pañamarca research team. “We can assert with a degree of confidence that, regardless of who physically occupied the seat, it was undoubtedly a throne intended for a queen, a throne for a woman.”