28-09-2025, 12:11 PM
So ... is it a fort if we think it's a fort?
In 1962 Peru issued a series of stamps with the image of the ruins of a large pyramid structure, with four levels, built on a hill near what is today the town of Paramonga.
During the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire in the early 16thC, the structure reminded those who saw it of a European Fortress. And, so it became known as the Fortress of Paramonga. In 1541 Pedro Cieza de León wrote, "The buildings were very handsome, and many wild beasts and birds were painted on the walls, which are now all in ruins and undermined in many places by those who have searched for buried gold and silver. In these days the fortress only serves as a witness to that which has been" [Wikipedia].
It was old when the Inca Empire was new.
More recent archaeology suggests, however, that the complex had a more religious purpose. But who knows? Fort or Temple? As de León suggested, it is a silent witness to a distant past.
Stamp:
Peru: Definitive Series of 1962
Fortaleza de Paramonga, Ruinas Incas
Issued on November 19, 1962
1s [Peruvian Sol], Rose-carmine
Mi.Nr. 622
Satellite photo by Peru-Sat1
In 1962 Peru issued a series of stamps with the image of the ruins of a large pyramid structure, with four levels, built on a hill near what is today the town of Paramonga.
During the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire in the early 16thC, the structure reminded those who saw it of a European Fortress. And, so it became known as the Fortress of Paramonga. In 1541 Pedro Cieza de León wrote, "The buildings were very handsome, and many wild beasts and birds were painted on the walls, which are now all in ruins and undermined in many places by those who have searched for buried gold and silver. In these days the fortress only serves as a witness to that which has been" [Wikipedia].
It was old when the Inca Empire was new.
More recent archaeology suggests, however, that the complex had a more religious purpose. But who knows? Fort or Temple? As de León suggested, it is a silent witness to a distant past.
Stamp:
Peru: Definitive Series of 1962
Fortaleza de Paramonga, Ruinas Incas
Issued on November 19, 1962
1s [Peruvian Sol], Rose-carmine
Mi.Nr. 622
Satellite photo by Peru-Sat1
Hugh MacDonald, Wolfe Island
Member: BNAPS. PHSC, Auxiliary Markings Club, Postal Stationary Society, British Postmark Society,
AMG Collectors Club, China Stamp Society, France and Colonies Philatelic Society
ArGe Deutsche Feldpost: 1914-1918 e.V.