El Fuerte: The Mysterious Archaeological Site of Samaipata in Bolivia

Ancient Origins IRAQ Tour

Print
    
Niches carved into the rock at El Fuerte, Bolivia.

El Fuerte: The Mysterious Archaeological Site of Samaipata in Bolivia

Located in the Province of Florida, Department of Santa Cruz, the archaeological site of Fuerte de Samaipata consists of two clearly identified parts; the hill with its many carvings, believed to have been the Ceremonial Center, and an area to the south of the hill, which formed the administrative and residential district and the political administration.

An overview map of Samaipata in Bolivia.

An overview map of Samaipata in Bolivia.

The site is known to have been occupied and used as a ritual and residential center by people belonging to the Mojocoyas culture from the Amazon basin to the east as early as 300 AD, and it was at this time, archaeologists contend that work began on the shaping of this great rock. It was later occupied in the 14th century by the Inca, who made it a provincial capital. The latter is confirmed by the features that have been discovered by excavation; a large central plaza with monumental public buildings around it and terracing of the neighboring hillsides for agriculture; which are characteristic of this type of Inca settlement seen especially in the highlands of Peru. It formed a bulwark against the incursions of the local indigenous and warlike Chiriguanos of that region in the 1520s.


Become a member to read more OR login here

Ancient Origins Quotations