History
Norte Chico: The Americas' Oldest Civilization
Explore the Norte Chico civilization in ancient Peru, the oldest in the Americas, which developed complex urban centers around the same time as Egypt's pyramids.
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What is it?
The Norte Chico civilization, also known as the Caral-Supe, was a complex pre-Columbian society in north-central coastal Peru that flourished between 3000 and 1800 BCE. Recognized as the oldest known civilization in the Americas, it was contemporaneous with the pyramids of Egypt. This pre-ceramic culture is notable for its lack of pottery and apparent absence of visual art. Its most impressive achievements were monumental architecture, including large earthen platform mounds and sunken circular plazas, spread across as many as 30 major population centers. Their economy was a unique blend of agriculture, cultivating cotton and gourds using sophisticated irrigation, and a reliance on maritime resources from the nearby Pacific coast.
Why is it trending?
The Norte Chico civilization is historically significant because its discovery reshaped our understanding of the ancient world. It is one of only six places on Earth where civilization arose independently, pushing back the timeline for complex societies in the Americas by more than a millennium. This challenges the long-held view of when and how civilization developed in the Western Hemisphere. The society is also fascinating for its seemingly peaceful nature; archaeologists have found no evidence of warfare, such as defensive walls, weapons, or mutilated bodies, suggesting it was built on trade and cooperation.
How does it affect people?
The study of the Norte Chico civilization changes our perception of societal development. It demonstrates that a complex urban society with large-scale architecture and a sophisticated government could emerge without pottery, a staple cereal crop, or warfare. This civilization provided a cultural and social template for subsequent Andean cultures, including the Inca, influencing everything from collective civic work projects to the use of textiles and early record-keeping systems known as quipus. Its existence offers a compelling case study of a cooperative, rather than conflict-driven, path to civilization.