Archaeologists working at the foot of an ancient pyramid in Peru have uncovered a circular altar dating back 4,000 years. The discovery was made during excavations at the Era de Pando archaeological site, part of ongoing research into the Caral-Supe civilization — the oldest known civilization in the Americas, dating back approximately 5,000 years, according to a statement released by Peru’s Ministry of Culture on May 21.

Era de Pando is one of several Caral-Supe settlements, situated along a riverbank and containing the remains of four large pyramids, four smaller pyramid-like structures, and around 40 additional buildings, including temples and houses.

During excavations near one of the large pyramids, researchers unearthed a circular “Altar del Fuego” — or fire altar — measuring about 22 feet in diameter. These ritual altars were typically located near major public structures and were used by elite members of the society to perform ceremonial burnings.

According to officials, designated religious figures conducted private rituals at these altars, offering symbolic items such as beads, quartz crystals, mollusks and other seafood.

The newly discovered altar at Era de Pando was positioned at the edge of a courtyard near the pyramid and likely served as a supplementary ceremonial area, archaeologists noted.

Era de Pando is part of the greater Caral-Supe archaeological zone, located roughly 110 miles northwest of Peru’s capital, Lima.