Archaeologists have unearthed an ancient temple and theater complex in the northern Peruvian town of Zaña, dating back an astonishing 4,000 years, making it one of the oldest known structures in Peru made by man. The discovery was made following reports of looting at the site called La Otra Banda/Cerro Las Animas, prompting a collaborative excavation effort by the Field Museum of Chicago and Peruvian institutions. Just six feet beneath the surface, the team uncovered mud and clay walls extending 33 feet, revealing what appeared to be a theater complete with a backstage area and staircases leading to a raised platform. Luis Muro Ynoñán, the lead research scientist from the Field Museum, expressed amazement at how such ancient structures lay so close to the modern surface, suggesting their use for ritual performances in front of select audiences.

This significant archaeological find, featuring carved stone slabs with intricate bird designs typical of the ‘Initial Period’ (2000-900 BCE), predates the Inca civilization and even the creators of the Nazca Lines. The discovery also included large murals painted on the temple walls, with pigment samples collected for precise dating through radiocarbon methods. This ancient theater could represent the early roots of organized religion on a societal scale, aligning with recent theories that religion and ceremony, rather than agriculture, may have been the initial catalysts for developing complex societies. This idea parallels discoveries like Gobeklitepe in Turkey, suggesting that communal religious activities played a crucial role in the evolution of early human civilizations.

Peru is home to many amazing bird species, and when this talented photographer went there for a visit, he took advantage and captured the most amazing pictures.

Supreet Sahoo from India is a wildlife photographer, and instead of photographic the natural wonders of Peru, he thought that its birds need to be the focus of attention this time.
He used a Canon 1D X Mark II camera and 600 mm telephoto lens to capture these amazing and crystal-clear images, which capture the beautiful colors of Peru and its wildlife.

According to Sahoo, Peru is a dream destination for any wildlife photographer as there is so much inspiring material there and has a high diversity of bird species. It is a real paradise for bird-enthusiasts and a great spot for birdwatching.

Just to get an idea, Peru is the home of 20% of the world’s total bird species. Sahoo also works with several naturalists when organizing such a work trip and is trying to make sure that he has access to the best spots for taking the photographs without interfering with the bird’s natural habitat.

Once you see the collection of images, you will understand the hard work invested by Sahoo in finding the right spot and moment to capture them.

#1 Marvelous Spatuletail Hummingbird

Supreet Sahoo Photography

#2 Swallow Tanager

Supreet Sahoo Photography

#3 Golden-Tailed Sapphire

#4 Rufous-Crested Coquette #5 Black-Faced Dacnis

#6 Sword-Billed Hummingbird

#7 Marvellous Spatuletail Hummingbird

#8 Collared Trogon

#9 Black-Tailed Trainbearer

#10 Inca Tern

Supreet Sahoo Photography