Elite 5,000 year-old woman's tomb unearthed in coastal Peru
Reuters1 day
5,000-year-old Elite Woman's Tomb Discovered in Peru
Above: Archaeologist David Palomino presents a Caral-era artifact from a newly uncovered burial at the Aspero site, during an event in Lima, on April 24, 2025. Image copyright: Ernesto Benavides/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
This discovery represents a groundbreaking shift in understanding ancient power structures, demonstrating that women held significant leadership roles in early civilizations. The elaborate burial arrangements and high-status artifacts prove that the Caral civilization valued women as important societal figures. The preservation of the remains provides unprecedented insight into this isolated American civilization.
Narrative B
The interpretation of this finding as evidence of women's elevated status might be premature without more contextual evidence. The elaborate burial could represent religious or ceremonial significance rather than political power. Additional research is needed to definitively establish the exact nature of women's roles in Caral society.