The city itself was built around 850 CE and lasted until its conquest by the Inca Empire in 1470.
The city had nine large rectangular citadels surrounded by thick earthen walls 30 to 60 feet high.
The walls of the buildings were often decorated with raised carvings representing abstract motifs and animals.
It was this dry desert air that allowed the citys earthen structure to remains to this day.
Sources:UNESCO/Smithsonian
Also see:
