Pre-Columbian Civilizations of the Andes

Apuntes

Complete Study Guide: Unit 4 – Pre-Columbian History and Conquest TOPIC 1: PRE-INCA ANDEAN CIVILIZATIONS Chavín Culture (900–200 BC) • Location: Ancash region, Peru (northern Andes). • Main achievements: o Ceremonial center: Chavín de Huantar. o Religious art with feline (jaguar), serpent, and condor motifs. o Advanced terrace farming. o Use of camelids (llamas and alpacas) for transport and wool. • Social organization: Theocratic, peaceful, sedentary society. Nazca Culture (200 BC – 600 AD) • Location: Southern coast of Peru (Nazca, Ica, Acarí valleys). • Main achievements: o Nazca Lines: giant geoglyphs for ritual/astronomical purposes. o Underground aqueducts (puquios) for desert agriculture. o Polychrome pottery and advanced textiles. • Social organization: Sedentary, peaceful society with a religious elite. Moche Culture (100–800 AD) • Location: Northern coast of Peru. • Main achievements: o Realistic pottery (portraits, ritual and battle scenes). o Advanced metallurgy (gold, silver, copper, alloys). o Complex irrigation systems (canals). o Monumental architecture (Huacas del Sol y de la Luna). • Social organization: Stratified and warrior society, with military and religious ...