Sechin Bajo

About

Sechin Bajo, part of the Sechin capital, was built before 2,000 BC, making it the oldest urban complex in the Americas. While the entire complex contains commercial and residential site, the most studied area is Cerro Sechin, which was apparently the administrative and ceremonial center. Consisting of a stepped temple and secondary buildings, Sechin is encircled by a fascinating perimeter wall. Added closer to 1500 BC, the wall is decorated with around 400 bas-relief sculptures depicting well-armed warrior priests, and their thoroughly butchered victims. While no one knows the exact reason for adding these gruesome images, some experts believe that the anatomical accuracy of the dismembered body parts and viscera suggest the culture either had a sophisticated knowledge of anatomy - though it could also be they had a lot of experience with butchering their enemies.