Ancient civilizations and South American mysteries

It is believed that the first human populations of South America arrived via North America by crossing the Bering Land Bridge from Siberia, and then migrated south. The earliest archeological evidence of human settlement in South America is in Monte Verde, in Southern Chile. It dates back to as early as 16,500 B.C.

The progenitors

The Norte Chico civilization emerged in Peru as one of the first independent centers of civilizations in the world. Their first city, Huaricanga, dates to 3,500 B.C. It was the oldest city in the Americas and one of the earliest cities in the world. It’s believed to be the only South American civilization to also use fishing, and not only agriculture, to support its population.

Artistic agriculturalists

The Nazca civilization flourished between 200 B.C. to 600 A.D. in Peru. Their civilization was centered around Cahuachi,, a ceremonial site of pyramid mounds and a plaza dedicated to a pantheon of elemental deities. The Nazca people believed these elemental deities would help their life-sustaining agricultural work by sending rain to water their fields. The purpose of the temples at Cahuachi, however, remains unclear to this day.

The Nazca people were skilled farmers who created an extensive underground aqueduct system. This made it possible to produce a variety of crops including maize, squash, sweet potato, manioc, achira, and even cotton and cocoa. The civilization began its downfall around 500 A.D., however, and had fallen completely by 750 A.D. Somewhat ironically, a major flood is thought to be partially responsible for their decline.

This civilization is responsible for the Nazca Lines, a series of magnificent and large-scale drawings etched into the desert floor in the Pisco Valley. Considered a type of geoglyph, there are multiple theories why these lines were made. One suggests they were astronomical alignments helping the Nazca people plant and harvest crops. There are still no conclusive theories on why the Nazca Lines were made, so it remains a mystery.

Urban planners

The Chimú State, also known as the Chimú Empire, was founded near modern-day Trujillo in Peru, appearing around 1,000 A.D. The Chimú Empire initial prospered, largely due to their agricultural feats, supported by an extensive irrigation system.

At its height, the Chimú Empire capital of Chan Chan covered almost eight square miles and boasted a population of up to 40,000. The city was made from pre-prepared blocks of poured mud or adobe. Stone-lined canals ran along the buildings and streets, punctuated with small artificial lakes and wells. The most impressive examples of ancient architecture here are the large rectangular palace compounds which served as a royal residence, storage facility, mausoleum, and administrative center.

The Chimú people are best known for their distinctive monochromatic pottery and metal work, featuring copper, gold, silver, bronze, and tumbaga, a mix of gold and copper. They used oyster shells as decorations, offerings, and a form of currency. The Incas caused the Chimú Empire’s downfall when they conquered Chan Chan around 1470 A.D.

Architects and engineers

Emerging in 1438 B.C., the Incan Empire was by far the largest Pre-Columbian empire in the Americas. It stretched from what is now Ecuador through Peru and Bolivia, down into Chile and parts of Argentina. The empire’s administrative, political, and military center was the city of Cusco. The Incas constructed inns, signal towers, roads, and massive royal states, such as the famous Machu Picchu.

The Incas had a population of 6–14 million people from more than 100 different ethnic groups. They maintained a cohesive state through well-devised agricultural and roadway systems, along with a centralized religion and language. There was no written language, but one form of Quechua became the primary dialect, with knotted cords known as quipu used to register historical and accounting records. Most subjects were self-sufficient farmers who tended to corn, potatoes, squash, llamas, alpacas, and dogs, and paid taxes through public labor.

The Incas also had a huge military force. The Incan army was a multi-ethnic force used to expand the empire and defend the sovereignty of the territory. As the empire grew in size and population, so did the army, reaching 200,000 men at its peak. Despite their power, the Incas were quickly overwhelmed by the diseases and superior weaponry of Spanish invaders. The last bastion of their immense empire was overtaken in 1572.

Want to learn more about these amazing civilizations and visit the UNESCO-listed remains that exist today? On our expedition cruises to South America, you’ll see the Nazca Lines and visit Chan Chan and Machu Picchu.