History
The Wari Empire: Forerunners to the Inca
Explore the Wari Empire, the powerful pre-Inca civilization that unified the Andes with advanced engineering, urban planning, and road networks.
What is it?
The Wari (or Huari) Empire was a civilization that flourished in the coastal and highland regions of modern-day Peru from approximately 600 to 1100 AD. Pre-dating the more famous Inca Empire, the Wari were master builders and administrators. They established a capital city, Huari, in the Ayacucho Basin and expanded to create one of the earliest and largest empires in the Andes. They are renowned for constructing distinctive administrative centers, extensive road networks to connect their provinces, and advanced agricultural systems, including terraced fields and irrigation canals, which allowed them to thrive in the challenging mountain environment.
Why is it trending?
The Wari Empire is gaining historical prominence as ongoing archaeological discoveries reveal the true extent of its influence. Recent finds, such as a ritual complex in 2023, continue to shed new light on their culture and reach. Historians now recognize the Wari as pioneers of imperial statecraft, whose systems of governance, urban planning, and infrastructure were later adopted and expanded upon by the Incas. This shifts the perception of the Wari from being merely predecessors to being a foundational and highly sophisticated civilization in their own right.
How does it affect people?
The Wari Empire left a lasting legacy that directly shaped subsequent Andean cultures, particularly the Inca. Their innovations in administration, road construction, and agriculture set the stage for the Inca's own success. For people today, studying the Wari provides a more complete understanding of South American history, highlighting a long tradition of complex societies before the Inca. Their artistic styles, especially in textiles and ceramics, are a vital part of Peru's cultural heritage. Furthermore, the empire's eventual decline offers valuable insights into the societal effects of climate change and political instability.