This Ancient City Existed Without an Army. Archaeologists Can’t Explain How

The City That Did Not Fight

Before the belligerent empires of the Maya, Inca, and Aztec entered the map of Latin America, something entirely different existed in modern-day Peru: a trading superpower that knew no war. In July 2025, archaeologists discovered another city belonging to this civilization—Peñico. This city, too, lacked an army and weapons.

How did they achieve this? And how did they survive in a world where everyone else had to fight for survival?

Lost City Peru Unveils Secrets

The remains of Peñico lie in the Barranca province of Peru. Archaeologists report 18 structures, including a monumental building—most likely a temple—where they uncovered rare artifacts and bas-reliefs.

Dating places the city’s existence between 1800 and 1500 BCE. Interestingly, this location most likely served as the new home for the population from the legendary Caral, the core of the Norte Chico Civilization. The new discovery not only suggests this—it confirms the scenario.

A Trading Empire at the Crossroads of Cultures

The Norte Chico Civilization existed on what is now the northern coast of Peru approximately 3,500 years ago. Caral’s location allowed them to maintain trade relations with civilizations living on the Pacific coast, deep in the Amazonian jungle, and in the Andes. Crucially, it remained a separate civilizational center with a distinct culture and art.

Experts believe that due to global climate changes and drought, the residents of Caral had to abandon the city about 4,000 years ago. Previously, archaeologists thought they migrated to the Pacific coast. However, the discoveries at Peñico indicate that some of them traveled up the Supe River and built a new settlement there.

A City Without Weapons or Fortifications

Peñico lies only 10 kilometers from Caral—but 600 meters higher. The same artistic hand visible in Caral is reflected in the bas-reliefs and figurines found in Peñico: clay figures, bead necklaces, and carved bones. Clearly, there is a continuity of art and identity.

And one even more crucial similarity exists: in Peñico, just as in Caral, there are no traces of weapons. There are no walls. There are no defensive ramparts. The city functioned without an army. Archaeologists still cannot explain how this peaceful lost city Peru was possible.

“Peñico continues Caral’s tradition of living in harmony with nature and relating to other cultures with respect,” says Peruvian archaeologist Ruth Shady, cited in a BBC article.

Great Drought Altered the Fate of Ancient Civilizations

The lack of violence here is even more sensational than in Caral. This is because Peñico arose during a time when the entire world was collapsing due to extreme climate. Around 4,000 years ago, a 130-year global Mega-Drought struck Earth. In Egypt, Mesopotamia, and China, it shifted the balance of power, sparking crises and conflicts. But in Peñico? Zero weapons. Zero walls. And zero signs of fighting.

Adaptation in the Face of Catastrophe

This global climatic anomaly was not an abstraction. It destroyed crops, caused famine and death. These are moments in history when societies typically shift into aggression mode. Logic dictates: those who strike first will survive. Here, the opposite occurred.

All evidence suggests that Peñico was founded in peace. And throughout its existence, it continued the Norte Chico Civilization philosophy: development through trade and art—not through violence. The story of this ancient settlement confirms the significance of lost city Peru in history.

A Lesson for the Modern World

Although archaeologists are still working there, parts of Peñico can already be seen in person. An exhibition showcasing the key artifacts and symbols of this culture has been created—and it is impressive. This place is not a dead model. It is a tangible encounter with a civilization that, 3,500 years ago, chose peace over violence.

Read this article in Polish: Starożytne miasto istniało bez wojska. Archeolodzy nie potrafią tego wyjaśnić