Chinese archaeologists are set to start their first joint archaeological project in South America after Chinese and Peruvian institutions signed an agreement on Friday to conduct research on the ancient Caral civilization in Peru.

The Institute of Archaeology of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the Caral Archaeological Zone of Peru's Ministry of Culture, and the Professional School of Archaeology at the National University of San Marcos, signed the cooperation agreement.

The Caral civilization emerged along Peru's northern coast and dates from around 3000 B.C. to about 1800 B.C. It is considered the oldest civilization yet discovered in the Americas.

The Chinese and Peruvian teams will conduct comprehensive archaeological research at Caral sites, including field surveys and excavations, scientific and technological archaeological research, cultural heritage conservation, and the joint training of archaeological professionals.