The Palaspata temple complex, which was named after the local name of the area, is located near the city of Caracollo, approximately 215 kilometers southeast of the main center of Tiwanaka civilization on Lake Titicac. It extends over an area of ​​125 × 145 meters, which corresponds to the dimensions of the smaller urban block.
Although the native farmers knew about this place for generations, scientists have so far overlooked him. This was mainly due to its long distance from the main center of Tiwanak culture.
Foto: Capriles JM, Calla Maldonado S, Calero JP, Delaere C. Gateway to the east: the Palaspata temple and the south-eastern expansion of the Tiwanaku state. Antiquity. 2025;99(405):831-849
A map depicting the area where the Palaspata temple complex was discovered.
“We would never expect to find something so significant at this point,” said José Capriles, a Bolivian archaeologist and author of the study of the discovery of this complex that was published in the Antiquity magazine.
Thanks to modern technologies, including satellite images, drones and 3D modeling, scientists have managed to create a reconstruction of the original form of the temple. The complex consisted of 15 rectangular spaces that surrounded a slightly recessed central courtyard.
Strategic location
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The temple complex was placed at the intersection of three important trade routes that connected different regions, namely the alpine area around the Lake Titicaca in the north, the altiplano plateau in the west and the fertile Cochabamba valley in the east.
The picture on the post from the network x above is a model showing the original form of the temple.
“The Palaspata Temple probably functioned as a ritual gate between these regions and the local ceremonies could be sanctified by people and goods passing through this place,” Capriles added.
In addition, radiocarbon dating from the nearby Ocotavi 1 site showed that the area was inhabited between 630 and 950 NL, which corresponds to the peak time of the flourishing of the civilization of Tiwanak.
The mysterious civilization of Tiwanaku
Tiwanaku, which flourished between the 5th and 10th century AD in the field of today’s Bolivia, Peru and Chile, was one of the most secret pre -Columbian cultures of South America.
The Center of Civilization was located near the modern city of Tiwanak and was known for its monumental pyramids and other buildings from the massive blocks of Andesite and red sandstone.
Unlike the later Inca Empire, which had a centralized government, Tiwanaku functioned more as a network of connected communities that shared common culture and religion.
Although archaeologists have been exploring this civilization since the mid -19th century, the cause of its demise remains a mystery. Some scientists suggest that it may have been a combination of climate change, social unrest and interruption of trade routes.
The connection of faith and trade
The western orientation of the main entrance according to archaeologists suggests that the temple could be associated with astronomical events such as spring or autumn equinox. In addition, hundreds of shards of ceramic cups “kera” were found in the surroundings, which were used to drink corn beer “chicha”.
The consumption of this drink was not only an important part of agricultural festivities and ritual celebrations, but also a way to legitimize business agreements.
The presence of “kera” vessels is very interesting. Corn has not grown at such a high altitude and had to be imported from the fertile valleys in the east. The Palaspata temple was a place where faith and shop were intertwined.
A temple lost in time 🗿🔎⌛
Archaeologists found a ceremonial construction of more than 1,000 years south of Lake Titicaca. The temple, called Palaspata, was built by the Tiwanaku civilization and reveals how this pre -Inca culture extended its power and influence in … pic.twitter.com/p3vL4NP64A
– Our newspaper (@nuestrodiario) June 25, 2025
A new view of civilization Tiwanaku
Until now, scientists have believed that the culture of Tiwanaku was concentrated mainly around Lake Titicac. However, this discovery suggests that its influence reached much further, and at the same time reveals new knowledge about the organization of the company. The monumental temple complex served as a knot that connected various regions and allowed control over trade routes.
Last but not least, the discovery is also of great importance for the local community. Local authorities are now working with the Bolivian government not only to protect the locality, but also on its gradual transformation into a tourist destination.
