Context:

A vandal has defaced a wall at Chan Chan, a centuries-old Peruvian city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, by spray-painting an obscene image. This act has sparked outrage as the site is a significant cultural and historical landmark, previously the capital of the Chimú kingdom before its conquest by the Incas. The Peruvian Ministry of Culture condemned the graffiti as a severe disrespect and violation of the site's protective regulations. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, has led to public outcry over the lack of security at such an important archaeological site. If apprehended, the perpetrator may face up to six years of imprisonment, highlighting the seriousness of the crime against cultural heritage.

Dive Deeper:

• Chan Chan, located 500km north of Lima, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its historical significance as the largest city in pre-Columbian America, and it was the capital of the Chimú kingdom before its fall to the Incas.

• A man vandalized one of the original walls of Chan Chan by spray-painting an obscene image, an act that was filmed and shared widely on social media, leading to widespread outrage and condemnation.

• The Peruvian Ministry of Culture has denounced the graffiti, emphasizing the grave disrespect shown towards the country's history and cultural heritage, and highlighting the violation of archaeological protection regulations.

• Many Peruvians have expressed their disappointment and concern over the incident, questioning the adequacy of security measures at the site to prevent such acts of vandalism.

• The vandalism of Chan Chan comes on the heels of another recent incident where a famous Incan artifact, the 12-Angle Stone in Cusco, was damaged, raising further concerns about the protection of Peru's archaeological treasures.

• The incident underscores ongoing challenges in preserving cultural heritage sites in Peru, as the culprit, if caught, could face up to six years in prison, reflecting the legal consequences for such offenses.

• The site's significance is underscored by its extensive structures, divided into citadels by thick walls, attracting thousands of visitors each month, whose interest in the site fuels ongoing efforts to preserve its historical integrity.