The huacas of the PUCP

Evidence has been recorded of the Lima (500 AD - 800 AD) and Ychsma (1000 AD - 1532 AD) societies. During the occupation of Lima society, the site was used both for the development of daily activities and for carrying out funerary practices. It is known that some of the inhabitants dedicated themselves to fishing (Prieto, 2015). During the Ychsma occupation, collective activities of a domestic nature, feasts or small rituals were carried out.

Huaca 20 has been investigated since 1990 by different teams of archaeologists from the university. Until 2008, multiple research projects were developed that have contributed to the training of students and knowledge of pre-Hispanic occupations. In addition, from 2010 to 2013, site rescue projects were managed. Currently, around Huaca 20, activities are carried out aimed at audiences of all ages that seek to disseminate the archaeological heritage of the PUCP.

During the occupation of the Ychsma society in the Maranga area, this meeting space was built for members of the same social group (Del Carpio, 2016). Huaca 64 is made up of an elevated terrace, a patio and a passage that functioned as access. During the Inca occupation, collective activities of a domestic nature, feasts or rituals were carried out, such as the burial of an adult woman with offerings and remains of vessels that could have been used for the consumption of chicha.

Huaca 64 was investigated since 1996 by teams of Archeology students led by Dr. Mercedes Cárdenas. After 20 years, in 2016, the PUCP promoted a research project for the purposes of conservation and enhancement of the site. Currently, both the PUCP community and the external public can visit the huaca through mediated tours.

This stretch of road served as a connection between important sites of the Maranga Archaeological Complex located within the Parque de las Leyendas with the Mateo Salado Archaeological Complex (Espinoza, 2010). Both archaeological complexes were large administrative and ceremonial spaces that have resisted urban growth and, currently, research, dissemination, conservation and enhancement projects are being developed; in addition to having tours to visit them.

The PUCP is one of the few universities that has archaeological sites within its campus, so it has the privilege and responsibility of promoting and linking this cultural heritage with the university community and citizens. In this sense, the PUCP is committed to investigating, conserving, disseminating and managing the archaeological heritage with which it coexists, guards and forms part of the memory of the city of Lima.