The identification of tephra layers in archaeological sites near Lake Titicaca suggests a significant volcanic eruption occurred between 400CE and 720CE, coinciding with the rise of the Tiwanaku civilization. Previous explanations for the ashy layers included burnt llama dung and pottery production. However, recent analysis by researchers indicates the presence of tephra, likely from a large-scale eruption that impacted human societies, despite the nearest volcano being over 140km away.
We suggest that this tephra represents a major eruption that may have played a significant role in the histories of human-volcano interactions in the region.
In the Lake Titicaca Basin, the impacts of volcanic eruptions have been given little consideration, likely because the nearest Holocene volcano is about 140km away.
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