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The capital city is located near the modern city of Ayacucho, Peru. This city was the center of an empire that covered most of the highlands and coast of modern Peru. Huari is located in the northeast corner of the Huamanango River drainage area and between the Ayacucho (Huamanango) Basin and the Huanta Basin. This was the center of Huari government and civilization. The site occupies a remnant terrace or spur 2-3km wide that projects 6-7km into the Ayacucho valley from the eastern flank. This terrace is 2,600-3000m asl. The entire archaeological zone (the city and its surrounding areas) covers approximately 15 square kilometers. Dating is problematic, due to sterile fill, but some pottery artifacts suggest an occupation between 560-700 AD.