High-Status Woman’s 5,000-Year-Old Remains Discovered in Peru

ASPERO, Peru — Archaeologists have uncovered the remarkably well-preserved remains of a noblewoman from the ancient Caral civilization, dating back more than 5,000 years, at the Áspero archaeological site in Peru. Located along the coast, Áspero was once used as a municipal landfill but has since gained significance as an excavation site.  

The remains, preserved with exceptional care, still retain traces of skin, nails, and hair, suggesting an elaborate burial process. The woman, estimated to have been between 20 and 35 years old at the time of her death, stood approximately 1.5 meters tall.  

“This discovery reveals the remains of a woman who appears to have held a high social rank—an elite member of society,” archaeologist David Palomino explained to the AFP news agency. Her burial, which included rare materials and meticulous preparations, further emphasizes her elevated status.  

Previously, it was widely believed that societal leadership in ancient civilizations was predominantly male. However, this finding challenges those assumptions, suggesting that women played influential roles in Caral society.  

The Caral civilization, which thrived from approximately 3000 to 1800 BCE, was one of the oldest in South America and developed alongside other ancient cultures like those in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China.  

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, Áspero remains a significant location for archaeological research. This discovery not only adds to our understanding of the Caral civilization but also sheds light on the important roles women played in its hierarchy.