Historical Development of Neolithic Andean Civilizations
The passage highlights the rich tapestry of early Andean civilizations, detailing their cultural contributions, political structures, and the intricate relationships between agriculture, fishing, and trade that shaped these societies long before European contact. The interplay between coastal and highland cultures reveals a complex landscape of human achievement and adaptation in ancient South America.
This passage examines the evolution of early civilizations in South America, particularly along the Pacific coast and in the Andean region, from the initial human migrations to the emergence of complex societies. Scholars divide Andean prehistory into distinct timeframes—horizons and periods—to establish a chronological framework for studying these cultures before the Spanish invasion in the early 1530s CE. The classifications are as follows:
Periods
While the boundaries between these divisions are somewhat fluid and primarily for scholarly convenience, the Andes region is broadly categorized into coastal and highland areas, which are further divided into northern, central, and southern zones.
Coastal Civilizations
The earliest evidence of complex societies in the Andes is traced to the Pacific coast between 3200 and 2500 BCE. Notably, the North Chico region, located just north of modern-day Lima, has been a focal point for archaeological research since the 1940s. Excavations have uncovered over 20 large settlements featuring monumental architecture dating back to this period. Among these, Áspero and Caral stand out, with Caral covering about 150 acres and revealing multiple pyramids, plazas, and evidence of long-term habitation.
In 1975, archaeologist Michael E. Moseley proposed the Maritime Foundations of Andean Civilizations (MFAC) hypothesis, suggesting that complex societies along the coast were largely based on the exploitation of maritime resources, facilitated by cotton cultivation for fishing nets. Archaeological findings at Áspero and other sites support this hypothesis, though debates about the characteristics and origins of these societies persist. Áspero is unique due to its lack of pottery, presence of large earthen mounds, and evidence of continuous rebuilding of structures, while Caral demonstrates long-term sedentary life and a reliance on both maritime resources and agriculture.
In addition to Áspero and Caral, other significant sites in the North Chico include Piedra Parada, Upaca, Huaricanga, and Porvenir. Other coastal traditions, such as the Valdivia, El Paraíso, and Chinchorros traditions, continue to be studied.
Highland Civilizations
Debates among Andean archaeologists also focus on the interplay between coastal settlements and highland complex societies. Most scholars agree that significant societal development in the highlands occurred soon after the rise of coastal cultures. The Kotosh religious tradition in the Central Highlands features raised mounds, sunken plazas, and small buildings.
In the South-Central Highlands, complex societies began forming around 1300 BCE in the Lake Titicaca Basin, with sites like Chiripa showing evidence of nucleated settlements and ceremonial centers by 900 BCE. By 1000 to 500 BCE, complex societies spread across the region, particularly with the Qaluyu culture flourishing to the north.
Titicaca Basin and Chavín Culture
Post-1000 BCE, the Titicaca Basin became a major area for complex society development. The Chavín culture emerged around 800 BCE, becoming a political and cultural center with a significant population and extensive exchange networks across the Andes. Chavín de Huantar featured elaborate ceremonial architecture, indicating its central role in Andean culture.
The Chavín civilization's decline around 400 BCE led to the emergence of other sites, such as Pucará and Tiwanaku, both featuring architectural similarities and significant state systems.
Stirrup-spout Vessel, Peru north coast, Moche culture, 100-500 AD, ceramic, Pre-Columbian collection, Worcester Art Museum
Nazca and Moche Civilizations
The Nazca culture emerged during the Early Intermediate Period, recognized for its intricate pottery and geoglyphs. Further north, the Moche civilization developed in the Moche River valley, showcasing advanced urban planning and monumental structures like the Huaca del Sol pyramid, which is one of the largest preconquest buildings in the Western Hemisphere.
These developments set the stage for the rise of two powerful empires, Huari and Tiwanaku, towards the end of this period.
Last update: October 9, 2024
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