The ruins both present the first evidence of Wari influence found in Northern Peru and by their quality and extent, show this was an important site.

[2] The Wari pre-Columbian civilization was predominantly based in south-central Peru between the 7th and 12th centuries (600 to 1100 CE.)

[1][3] Scholars note its complex, distinctive architecture, monuments and roadbuilding as evidence that it was an empire.

The site includes evidence of human sacrifice, with special spots set aside and a pile of bones at the bottom of a cliff.

[4] Earlier in August 2008, archeologists at the Huaca Pucllana ruins in Lima (located some 500 miles or 800 kilometres south of Chiclayo) discovered a mummy that is also thought to be Wari.