Nearly 5,200 holes dug on a mountainside in southern Peru’s Andes have been a mystery for nearly 100 years. Monte Sierpe, or Serpent Mountain, has ancient holes dug into the foothills that first came to light after an aerial photograph was published in National Geographic in 1933. Researchers have long come up with various theories in an effort to explain them. Initially, these holes were believed to be unused pre-Inca civilisation graves. A study published in the journal Antiquity has now revealed the true nature of these holes spreading for around 1.6 kilometres. “Why would ancient peoples make over 5,000 holes in the foothills of southern Peru? We don’t know why they are here, but we have produced some promising new data that yield important clues and support novel theories about the site’s use,” lead author of the study, Jacob Bongers, said in a statement.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-boring-billion-not-so-boring-scientists-discover-massive-event-switched-things-up-on-ancient-earth-1762935127748">'Boring Billion' not so boring - Scientists discover massive event switched things up on ancient Earth</a> &nbsp;<h2>“Band of Holes" were filled with corn and wild plants</h2>The researchers state in the study that the holes were part of a pre-Inca marketplace, and it later turned into an accounting system to extract tribute. Also known as “Band of Holes," the site has about three-to six-foot wide holes that are up to three feet deep. Microbotanical analysis of sediment samples revealed corn and ancient wild plants commonly used to make baskets. They were likely stored in the holes. The soil analysis was “very intriguing” and reveals that it was “perhaps a pre-Inca marketplace, like a flea market," Bongers said. They added, "Perhaps mobile traders (seafaring merchants and llama caravans), specialists (farmers and fisherfolk), and others were coming together at the site to exchange local goods such as corn and cotton."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/if-3i-atlas-was-to-impact-earth-where-would-it-crash-scientists-reveal-danger-zone-at-most-risk-from-interstellar-objects-1762925839245">Scientists reveal the ONE danger zone on Earth at most risk from interstellar objects such as 3I/ATLAS</a> &nbsp;Another surprising find was that the layout of the holes was linked to an ancient knotted-string accounting device, which the Inca people once used in the same valley. What made the analysis possible was drone technology. “Once we had precision, low-altitude images, it was immediately clear that this site was profoundly important and had to be scientifically studied,” Charles Stanish, University of South Florida researcher and senior co-author on the research, said in a statement. Despite getting some answers, there are still more mysteries. &nbsp;Dr Bongers says, “Why is this monument only seen here and not all over the Andes? Was Monte Sierpe a sort of ‘landscape khipu’?” He is hoping to unravel more about the mysterious site in the future. &nbsp;

Monte Sierpe, or Serpent Mountain, in Peru, is covered with 5,200 holes that are nearly six feet wide and three feet deep. Once believed to be graves, they turned out to be something completely different, a melting point that brought people together.

Nearly 5,200 holes dug on a mountainside in southern Peru’s Andes have been a mystery for nearly 100 years. Monte Sierpe, or Serpent Mountain, has ancient holes dug into the foothills that first came to light after an aerial photograph was published in National Geographic in 1933. Researchers have long come up with various theories in an effort to explain them. Initially, these holes were believed to be unused pre-Inca civilisation graves. A study published in the journal Antiquity has now revealed the true nature of these holes spreading for around 1.6 kilometres. “Why would ancient peoples make over 5,000 holes in the foothills of southern Peru? We don’t know why they are here, but we have produced some promising new data that yield important clues and support novel theories about the site’s use,” lead author of the study, Jacob Bongers, said in a statement. Also Read: 'Boring Billion' not so boring - Scientists discover massive event switched things up on ancient Earth “Band of Holes" were filled with corn and wild plants The researchers state in the study that the holes were part of a pre-Inca marketplace, and it later turned into an accounting system to extract tribute. Also known as “Band of Holes," the site has about three-to six-foot wide holes that are up to three feet deep. Microbotanical analysis of sediment samples revealed corn and ancient wild plants commonly used to make baskets. They were likely stored in the holes. The soil analysis was “very intriguing” and reveals that it was “perhaps a pre-Inca marketplace, like a flea market," Bongers said. They added, "Perhaps mobile traders (seafaring merchants and llama caravans), specialists (farmers and fisherfolk), and others were coming together at the site to exchange local goods such as corn and cotton." Also Read: Scientists reveal the ONE danger zone on Earth at most risk from interstellar objects such as 3I/ATLAS Another surprising find was that the layout of the holes was linked to an ancient knotted-string accounting device, which the Inca people once used in the same valley. What made the analysis possible was drone technology. “Once we had precision, low-altitude images, it was immediately clear that this site was profoundly important and had to be scientifically studied,” Charles Stanish, University of South Florida researcher and senior co-author on the research, said in a statement. Despite getting some answers, there are still more mysteries. Dr Bongers says, “Why is this monument only seen here and not all over the Andes? Was Monte Sierpe a sort of ‘landscape khipu’?” He is hoping to unravel more about the mysterious site in the future.

Monte Sierpe, or Serpent Mountain, in Peru, is covered with 5,200 holes that are nearly six feet wide and three feet deep. Once believed to be graves, they turned out to be something completely different, a melting point that brought people together.

5,200 mysterious holes in Peru finally explained. Not graves, or garden, but...

Tensions are boiling over in Lima as the Peruvian government prepares to declare a state of emergency amid violent protests. Demonstrators attempted to breach barricades outside the Congress, demanding political change and expressing growing frustration over economic conditions and governance.


Peru Government Implements Tighter Measures To Curb Rising Crime Fueling Protests in Lima

Mexico and Peru are embroiled in a diplomatic row after Peru declared the Mexican Prime Minister persona non grata over an asylum dispute. Tensions between the two nations have escalated, raising concerns about regional relations and political stability in Latin America. Watch for full updates on the unfolding diplomatic standoff.


Peru Declares Mexican President Sheinbaum 'Persona Non Grata'

Asylum Spat Strains Peru-Mexico Diplomatic Ties 

Peru has criticized Mexico’s decision to grant political asylum to a Peruvian official, calling it an “unfriendly political act.”

The move has intensified diplomatic tensions between the two nations, with Peru accusing Mexico of interfering in internal affairs.

Peru Calls Mexico's Asylum Move an Unfriendly Political Act

Protests continue in Peru as Gen Z activists take to the streets demanding legislative reforms to address corruption and rising crime. Despite a state of emergency restricting movement and mass gatherings, demonstrators insist on voicing their concerns.

Peru Protests: Gen Z Demands Legislative Reforms to Tackle Corruption, Crimes 

Peru's interim president Jose Jeri declared a 30-day state of emergency in Lima and nearby Callao from midnight Tuesday to tackle spiraling crime, authorising army deployment alongside police. The move follows anti-government protests last week that left one dead and over 100 injured. 


Peru: Days after deadly protests, emergency in Lima

The devotion to the Lord of Miracles (Señor de los Milagros), one of the most important religious processions in Latin America, will once again bring together millions of faithful in Peru and around the world this October.


Peru celebrates the Lord of Miracles 2025 procession with global participation 

Tensions are boiling over in Lima as the Peruvian government prepares to declare a state of emergency amid violent protests. Demonstrators attempted to breach barricades outside the Congress, demanding political change and expressing growing frustration over economic conditions and governance.

Lima on Lockdown: Government Imposes State of Emergency | NEWSPOINT

Massive Protests Have Erupted In Peru’s Capital As Gen Z Leads A Wave Of Demonstrations Against Economic Hardship, Corruption, And Political Instability. The Youth Are Demanding Change, Transparency, And Accountability From The Government. What Sparked This Outrage? And Where Could It Lead? Here’s Everything You Need To Know About The Growing Unrest In Peru.

Gen Z Anger Spills on the Streets of Peru's Capital City

Peru’s Congress has voted to oust President Dina Boluarte amid a surge in violent crime and public unrest. The move follows widespread protests accusing her administration of failing to restore security and economic stability.


Peru: Jose Jeri sworn in as new president after Boluarte’s removal

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Malaysia’s Durian Exports to China Hit RM6.37 Billion | New Markets in Taiwan & Peru Targeted

Silver powers industries, electronics, and global markets. Peru, Russia, China, Poland, and Mexico hold the world’s largest underground silver reserves, making them key players in mining, tech, and the global economy.

Silver powers industries, electronics, and global markets. Peru, Russia, China, Poland, and Mexico hold the world’s largest underground silver reserves, making them key players in mining, tech, and the global economy.

5 countries with the most silver reserves in the ground


Protests have erupted across Peru in response to recent reforms to the country’s pension system. Citizens are voicing anger over changes they say will limit access to retirement funds and worsen financial insecurity. 


Peru Protest:  Opposition Mounts Against President Boluarte's New Pension Scheme

Peru Protest: Anti-Government Protesters Clash Outside Peruvian Congress | WION World News

Protests have erupted across Peru in response to recent reforms to the country’s pension system. Citizens are voicing anger over changes they say will limit access to retirement funds and worsen financial insecurity. 

Peru Protest: Anti-Government Protesters Clash Outside Peruvian Congress

Protests have erupted across Peru in response to recent reforms to the country’s pension system. Citizens are voicing anger over changes they say will limit access to retirement funds and worsen financial insecurity. 


Peru: Protests erupt following reforms to country's pension system

Peru: On Saturday, September 20, hundreds of demonstrators rallied in the Peruvian capital to protest corruption, organized crime, and recent pension reforms. Tensions escalated as police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, while protesters retaliated by throwing stones and sticks.


Peru protests: Gen Z protesters lambast ruling government's economic policies


Peru: On Saturday, September 20, hundreds of demonstrators rallied in the Peruvian capital to protest corruption, organized crime, and recent pension reforms. Tensions escalated as police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, while protesters retaliated by throwing stones and sticks.


Peru Protests: Gen Z Protesters Clash With Police in Capital Lima

One of Peru’s most wanted criminals, Erick Moreno Hernandez, has been arrested in Paraguay after a prolonged manhunt. Known for his involvement in major organized crime operations, his capture marks a major breakthrough in regional law enforcement collaboration. Authorities are now working on extradition procedures. Here’s everything we know about the arrest and what happens next.

Notorious Peruvian criminal Erick Moreno Hernandez arrested in Paraguay

Gen Z Across Globe Demand Accountability From Their Leaders | GRAVITAS

From lima to manila, to Kathmandu & Jakarta, youth-led stir shaping political landscape
As gen z takes stand from social media to streets.


Gen Z Across Globe Demand Accountability From Their Leaders 

Peru Protests: Gen Z Protesters Clash With Police in Peru's Capital Lima | WION Race To Power

Peru: On Saturday, September 20, hundreds of demonstrators rallied in the Peruvian capital to protest corruption, organized crime, and recent pension reforms. Tensions escalated as police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, while protesters retaliated by throwing stones and sticks.


Peru Protests: Gen Z Protesters Clash With Police in Peru's Capital Lima

Peru: Hundreds Protest in Lima as Gen Z Clashes With Police Over Boluarte Rule 

Peru: At least 900 tourists were stranded near Peru’s historic Inca site, Machu Picchu, on Tuesday after a passenger train service was halted due to ongoing protests, according to the country’s tourism minister.


Peru: Around 1400 Tourists Evacuated, Stuck Due To Local Protests 

Peru’s former president has been sentenced to 13 years in prison in a major graft case, marking one of the country’s toughest verdicts against a top political leader.


Peru's former president sentenced to 13 years in prison in graft case

Tensions rise as an Indonesian diplomat is killed in Peru, sparking diplomatic outrage. Peruvian authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the incident.



Indonesian Diplomat Murder in Peru Sparks Row; Peru Foreign Ministry Condoles Murder | WION

Peru: Archaeologists in Peru have made a remarkable discovery that offers new insight. Into the collapse of one of the Americas’ oldest Civilisations. And its connection to climate change. They have discovered a small sculpture of two toads. Believed to be in a state of malnutrition.


Peru: Ancient Sculpture Found Near Caral City| WION

Peru's Prime Minister Alberto Otárola's successor Gustavo Adrianzen resigns before a no-confidence vote, triggering the automatic exit of the full cabinet.

Peru PM Adrianzen Resigns Before No-Confidence Vote After Backlash From Cabinet Reshuffle

Mining in Peru's northern district of Pataz will remain suspended for 30 days after 13 gold mine workers in the area were kidnapped and killed by illegal miners. Watch in for more details!

Mining in Peru's northern district of Pataz suspended for 30 days

Peru's president imposes nighttime curfew in Pataz district

A devastating landslide triggered by a glacial lagoon overflow in Peru claims the lives of two children. Officials warn of potential further threats as melting glaciers pose risks of more disasters.

Peru glacial lagoon disaster: 2 children killed in landslide

Intense rainfall has swollen a river, causing flooding in a small town within a lake watershed in southern Peru. The deluge has forced residents to evacuate their homes and has left children unable to attend schools in this institution. Watch in for more details!

Peru: Floods hit town near Lake Titicaca, residents evacuate

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