Difficulty: Summiteer (Level 3)
A small sculpture of two toads and other water-linked symbols were found earlier this year near the Peruvian city of Caral. The discovery helped archaeologists confirm that an ancient civilisation disappeared because of climate change.
These findings were at the Vichama archaeological site, which flourished between 1800BC and 1500BC.
According to archaeologist Tatiana Abad, head of research at the site, the sculpture of the toads, which dates back 3,800 years, symbolises fertility and prosperity. It also represents the worship of water and rain after prolonged droughts. The toad was a symbol of a crisis these people endured, Abad added.
Researchers also found figures of skeletal remains on Vichama’s walls. Abad said the figures looked like they were not getting enough nutrition because of a climate event that affected Caral and other ancient civilisations.
