4,500 year old female mummy found in Caral

Because of this discovery, we now know how social dynamics worked in this ancient civilization. We should remember that Caral is the most ancient city in America, located two hundred kilometers from Lima and declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 2009.

A group of archaeologists led by Ruth Shady discovered a 4,500 year old burial site in Áspero city; a high social status woman from Caral culture.

The body was found on its back, placed in a hole inside an ash and organic material deposit inside a building intended for idol worshiping. There were eight traverse flutes made out of animal bones placed as offerings, indicating interactions with other villages.

We can understand the social dynamic of Caral civilization better because of this discovery, as there is evidence of gender equality. Around that time, women were capable of assuming important roles and achieving high social status like men did.