The social and ritual context of horizon astronomical observations at Chankillo

Research at the Chankillo Archaeoastronomical Complex reveals that its Thirteen Towers function as a unique, still-operational solar observation device, marking daily sunrise and sunset positions to track the seasonal year. Beyond this, new evidence suggests broader astronomical alignments visible from publicly accessible areas, hinting at possible lunar observations alongside solar ones. The study also indicates that Chankillo's society was socially stratified, with the solar cult centered on the towers likely serving as a tool for legitimizing and consolidating power among an emerging warrior elite through ritual gatherings in a grand ceremonial setting. This finding underscores Chankillo's role not only in timekeeping but also in reinforcing social hierarchies nearly 2,000 years before similar structures emerged in imperial Cusco.

Ghezzi, I., & Ruggles, C. L. N. (2011). The social and ritual context of horizon astronomical observations at Chankillo. Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union, 7(S278), 144–153. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1743921311012567