Notes on Ancient Civilizations in the Andes Region

Overview of Ancient Civilizations in the Andes Region

• Focus on the great civilizations of the Andes, including their developments and landmarks.

Gigantic Geoglyphs and Machu Picchu

• Nazca Lines: Massive geoglyphs created by the Nazca people.
  • Purpose: Unknown; theories include astronomical purposes or religious ceremonies.
• Machu Picchu: Often referred to as the "City in the Sky."
  • Purpose: Purpose of construction is still debated; could be a religious site, royal estate, or military fort.

Chronology of Andean Civilizations

• Timeline:
  • BC 1500: Chavín Civilization
  • BC 200 - AD 200: Paracas Civilization
  • BC 900 - AD 400: Nazca Civilization
  • Inka Civilization: Dominates during late periods up to Spanish conquest in the 16th century.

Details of Major Civilizations

• Chavín Civilization (BC 1500 - AD 2nd Century):

  • First major civilization in the Andean region.
  • Advanced pottery production techniques including high-quality ceramics.
  • Worship of deities resembling humans and jaguars, indicating cultural influences.

• Paracas Civilization (BC 200 – AD 200):

  • Known for elaborate burial practices, with around 400 mummies discovered.
  • Mastered textile production, especially cloaks with intricate embroidery.
  • Evidence of cranial surgery, indicating advanced medical knowledge.

• Nazca Civilization (BC 900 – AD 400):

  • Centered around the Nazca River; renowned for sophisticated pottery techniques with multiple colors.
  • Creator of the Nazca Lines—geoglyphs depicting animals, plants, and human figures.
  • Speculations on the creation methods and purposes include:
    1. Created by Nazca culture for religious or astronomical purposes.
    2. Use of simple tools or models to scale the designs.

• Inka Civilization (Founded 12th Century):

  • Established around Lake Titicaca; known for significant urban development.
  • Flexible and expansive governance connecting various cultures under Inca authority.
  • Cuzco: Capital city dubbed "the navel of the world."
  • Important deity: Viracocha, the creator god, surrounding myths and narratives reflect cultural beliefs.
  • Lack of written records; much knowledge lost to time.

Characteristics of Inka Society

• Social Structure:

  • Varied interpretations of economy: communal land ownership or imperialistic endeavors.
  • Agricultural innovations including terracing and water management to mitigate earthquakes and enhance farming.

• Inka Roads:

  • Extensive road system (30,000 to 40,000 km) designed for military and administrative efficiency.
  • Regular relay systems (Chasqui) facilitated quick communication across vast distances.

• Architectural Achievements:

  • Remarkable masonry techniques prioritized balance and simplicity, exemplified by temples and fortifications in Cuzco.

Decline of the Inka Empire

• Inca Civil War led to in-fighting during times of external pressures from Spanish conquest.
• Final ruler Atahualpa captured and executed, marking the collapse of Inca rule.
• Resistance continued from factions like Vilcabamba until its ultimate conquest by Spanish forces.

Machu Picchu

• Discovered in 1911 by explorer Hiram Bingham; historically misidentified with Vilcabamba.
• The structure remains one of the Seven Wonders of the World, with its exact purpose still contested:
  • Could serve as a temple, royal palace, or military fortress with advanced urban planning and water systems.
  • Specific structures such as Intihuatana functioned for agricultural and ceremonial purposes, observing solar patterns.