Andean Cultures of South America 6.2

Map of the Chavin Civilization Ruins of a Chavin Temple

Cultures Develop in the Andes The Chavin was the 1st known culture to develop in South America. The civilization’s name comes from the area where the culture’s ruins were found. Around 900 B.C. the culture built a large temple complex. Their political structure is unknown, but their arts and religion influenced later Peruvian peoples. Their religion may have united the peoples of Northern and Central Peru.

Map of the Moche Civilization Moche Wooden Carving

Cultures Develop in the Andes The Moche 100-700 A.D. the Moche created an empire in Northern Peru. The civilization is named after their most famous city. Farmers perfected the use of fertilizers and canals to grow crops in their arid climate. Relay runners were used to carry messages. The Inca later adopted this idea. Built the largest adobe structure in the Americas. Adobe is a clay and stray mixture that hardens in the sun. Perfected weaving textiles, gold working, and woodcarving.

Cultures of the Southern Andes The Nazca Originated on the southern coast of Peru. Created geoglyphs on the desert floor. These geoglyphs were made by clearing away rocks and soil. Some lines run straight for miles, while others depict animals. The geoglyphs may have been part of their religious beliefs. The cities of Huari and Tiahuanaco Huari controlled Peru’s mountain and coastal regions. Tiahuanaco was a major city located on Lake Titicaca. It ruled lands in modern day Argentina, Chile, and Peru. These two cities may have had religious or economic ties to one another.

The Inca Empire Sapa Inca

The Inca Empire The Inca were the most powerful of the Andean peoples. Their civilization began in the 1100s, but expanded to its max size after 1438 when Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui became emperor, or Sapa Inca. Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui Skilled warrior who conquered enemies and enlisted them in his armies. The Incan Empire stretched along the Andes Mountains for 2500 miles with Cuzco as the capital.

Sapa Inca as an Absolute Ruler Sapa Inca declared himself to be the son of the sun god Inti. Gold served as his symbol and was thought to be the sweat of the sun. He was also the religious leader. All property was owned by the emperor, they did not trade with other empires, citizens worked on public works projects. Nobles ran provinces, officials handled daily business, officials kept records on knotted ropes called quipu.

Quipu

Living Under Inca Rule All conquered peoples had to speak the Inca language and practice the Inca religion. Each village, or ayllu, had a leader who organized work assigned by the government. Farmers used terraces to farm the steep hillsides of the Andes. Farmers spent half the year farming for their village and the other half working the emperor’s lands.