Andrew Payti
The ramp at Nik An
Located in the Moche Valley just outside the city of Trujillo, Peru, the ancient adobe city of Chan Chan covers twenty-five square miles. It was once the center of the Chimú Empire, which fell to the Incas at the end of the fifteenth century. The people of Chimú worshiped the moon and concentrated their crafts on pottery and metalwork. The ruins include temples, defensive structures, warehouses, ramps, and plazas, as well as living spaces. Many of the walls were intricately decorated. The main complex, known as the Tschudi Palace, also known as Nik An, housed hundreds of members of the nobility. Follow the link below to explore a slideshow about Chan Chan.