Pachacamac: The Ancient City That Matches Zarahemla
When we think of the ancient city of Zarahemla described in the Book of Mormon, we imagine a great civilization, rich in culture, tradition, and religious significance. The Book of Mormon portrays Zarahemla as a central hub for the Nephites, a place where politics, religion, and commerce thrived (Alma 5:2-5, Mosiah 7:21). As we explore the ancient city of Pachacamac in Peru, it becomes increasingly evident that this site mirrors the description of Zarahemla in striking ways, aligning both with the scripture and with early accounts of the Spaniards who first laid eyes on this sacred city.
Zarahemla and Pachacamac: A Striking Parallel
The Book of Mormon describes Zarahemla as a city by a major river, where both spiritual and secular matters were deeply intertwined (Mosiah 2:4, Alma 6:7). Pachacamac, located near the Lurín River in Peru, was similarly a vital spiritual and cultural center. It was revered by local peoples as the abode of the god Pachacamac, a deity associated with creation and the afterlife. The Lurín River’s proximity to the city provided not only sustenance but also a natural defense, echoing the defensive positioning often mentioned in relation to Zarahemla (Alma 60:1-4).
Early Spanish chroniclers provide critical insights into the spiritual significance of Pachacamac. Hernando Pizarro, in his letters to the King of Spain, described Pachacamac as a major religious center, adorned with gold and silver idols, and revered by the Andean people. This aligns with the description of Zarahemla in the Book of Mormon, where the city was a religious focal point for the Nephites and later for the Lamanites (Mosiah 24:5).
An Ancient Reputation
Pedro Cieza de León, one of the most prominent chroniclers of the early Spanish conquest, offers valuable information about Pachacamac that aligns with descriptions of Zarahemla. Cieza de León wrote that Pachacamac had a reputation for being ancient, even to the Inca, who later added their own structures to the complex. His account provides a historical perspective on how the site was viewed both by the indigenous people and the Spanish. This idea of an "ancient" city also resonates with the Book of Mormon narrative, where Zarahemla was built upon the remnants of an earlier civilization (Omni 1:14, Mosiah 9:1).
Miguel de Estete also documented his encounters at Pachacamac, describing the architectural complexity and the presence of treasures within the temple before the Spanish looted it. Such accounts highlight the site's significance and reinforce the idea that Pachacamac was a thriving cultural and religious hub—a detail strikingly similar to Zarahemla's portrayal in the Book of Mormon as a central city of Nephite society (Mosiah 7:21-22).
Pilgrimage and Prophecy
In the Book of Mormon, Zarahemla is a city where significant religious gatherings and teachings occurred, often drawing crowds to hear prophets and leaders (Mosiah 2:1). Similarly, Pachacamac was known as a place of pilgrimage where indigenous people traveled to consult the oracle and pay homage to their gods. Pedro Cieza de León detailed how people from all over the Andean region would make pilgrimages to Pachacamac to consult its famous oracle. This tradition of pilgrimage to a sacred city parallels how the people of Zarahemla would gather at the temple to hear King Benjamin's address (Mosiah 2:7-9).
Garcilaso de la Vega, another important chronicler, wrote about the reverence the native peoples had for Pachacamac, even under Inca rule. The Inca respected its long-standing spiritual importance, much like the respect given to the temple at Zarahemla in the Book of Mormon. This connection further solidifies the link between these two ancient cities.
The Sacred Temple and Its Looting
Pachacamac housed an impressive temple complex, described in great detail by the chroniclers. Hernando Pizarro’s account of entering the temple of Pachacamac and finding idols made of gold and silver reflects the richness and splendor also described in Book of Mormon temples, such as those built by King Noah (Mosiah 11:8-10). However, just as the Nephites faced destruction and looting by the Lamanites, the Spaniards looted the temple of Pachacamac, taking its treasures and desecrating its sacred space.
Miguel de Estete's descriptions of the Spaniards' looting align with the fate of Nephite cities like Zarahemla, which were captured and plundered multiple times (Alma 62:6). The parallel here between Pachacamac’s fate and that of Zarahemla is striking, showcasing the inevitable cycle of conquest and loss faced by ancient civilizations.
Conclusion: Echoes of Ancient Truths
When analyzing these striking similarities, one cannot help but see the potential overlap between Pachacamac and Zarahemla as described in the Book of Mormon. The evidence provided by early Spanish chroniclers such as Pedro Cieza de León, Miguel de Estete, and Garcilaso de la Vega offers valuable historical validation that echoes the Book of Mormon's narrative of a complex, ancient city deeply intertwined with spiritual practices and pilgrimage.
Furthermore, as Cieza de León noted, Pachacamac was ancient even to the Inca, who only added to the already-standing structures. This observation provides a powerful parallel to the narrative of Zarahemla, suggesting that both cities were centers of spiritual significance and pilgrimage, with an enduring legacy that even conquerors could not erase. Such similarities compel us to reconsider the historical and spiritual landscapes of the Americas in light of both scriptural and early historical records.
We have writen on Pachacamac and it's relationship in our book "Nephi Never Saw MesoAmerica". This article and youtube video is based on the January 2010 article from this blog, follow link here.
~ NephiCode Staff
