Mural from 3,800 years ago found inside a public ceremonial building in Peru

A mural thought to be 3,800 years old has been revealed by archaeologists in Peru. The wall, unveiled on Monday, was found inside a public ceremonial building at the Vichama site, north of Lima.

A team of excavators have brushed away the earth from the mural to reveal figures that depict a toad that wraps its hands around the head of a man. It is believed that the scenes reflect on the importance of water.

Archaeologist Tatiana Abad told a news conference in Lima the mural represents the “announcement of the arrival of water,”

Excavations at Vichama have been ongoing for over a decade and continue to reveal new insights into the ancient civilization such as its advanced city plan and architecture.

The Caral is believed to be the oldest civilisation in the Americas, dating as far back as 3,000 BC. But little is still known of this ancient city. The site is currently in an arid region of Peru, leaving it possible to conclude that climate change may have played a role in its decline, around 1,600 BCE. Highlighting the importance given to water as reflected in this latest discovery.