Huari (archaeological site)


Huari or Wari is an archaeological site located near the town of Quinua, 22 km northeast of the city of Ayacucho, in the Ayacucho Region, Peru at an elevation between 2600 and 2900 meters. It was the capital city of the Huari Empire and one of the largest urban settlements in ancient Peru.

History

Huari was founded ca. 400 AD, gaining prominence around 550 AD. During its maximum development, the city was inhabited by around 70.000 people. As this site was inhabited by people from different cultures, it was the center of a new religion that synthesized the beliefs of those peoples. The city was abandoned ca. 1000 AD.

Layout

The archaeological site spans an area of 2000 hectares, and comprises several areas or neighborhoods. Buildings are made of stone and mudbrick, and painted in red and white. Many of the structures had residential, administrative or religious purposes.