Moche: Political: Andes civilization (200 B.C.E. – 700 C.E. modern Peru). Leading war and religious ceremonies seemed to be the rulers main job. After the Chavin, the next major civilization to develop in the Andes was the Moche, which arose around 200 B.C.E. and lasted until 700 C.E. Developing in the Moche and Chicham river valleys in what is today modern Peru.

Ended due to 30 years of drought. Undermined the king’s authority leading to civil unrest. They vanished, perhaps because of climate changes. The region experienced 30 years of unusually heavy rains followed by 30 years of drought. Since the leader’s authority came from claiming to be able to predict the weather, it is believed that these events led to civil unrest and civil war.

Interaction: The need for elaborate irrigation projects helped create the Moche state. “Huaca de la Sol” (Temple of the Sun), a stepped pyramid. Monumental structures centered around two temples. One was the “Huaca de la Sol” (Temple of the Sun), a stepped pyramid. The other was the “Huaca de la Luna” (Temple of the Moon), a terraced platform. Both were made out of adobe brick.

Extensive irrigation networks, helped to build strong states in the Andes region. The Moche built a fortified city around these two temples, and built extensive irrigation networks, bringing water from the rivers to fields via ditches.

Economic: Agricultural economy. No pastoral societies developed due to no large animals to domesticate. Llamas used for transportation, textile fibers, and to fertilized crops. Mainly local trade. The Moche grew a variety of crops, including corn and beans. Among the animals they kept were llamas. Llamas provided transportation, fibers to produced textiles, and dung to fertilized crops. An agricultural surplus, allowed them to develop an artisan class, creating ceramics and beautiful gold, silver, and copper jewelry. Trade was mostly local, between Moche communities. Without large boats or wheeled vehicles, long-distant trade would have been difficult.

Social: Social structure organized around “ayllus,” small communities based on communal work. Members shared common mythical ancestor. Their social structure was organized around “ayllus,” which were small communities based on the idea of communal work. Members of an ayllus believed they all shared the same mythical ancestor. When a woman married, she would join her husband’s ayllu, while still maintaining membership in her own.

Culture: Ancestors worship. Some human sacrifice. Religion and government closely linked. Like the Greeks, believed in many gods, who acted as humans. They venerated their ancestors. Some rituals included human sacrifice at times. Religion and government were closely linked. Like the Greeks, they believed in many gods, gods who often acted with the same emotions and passions as humans, but at times with great power.

That concludes Mesoamerica. Any questions before the quiz on the next slide?