Civilizations of the Americas

Section 2: Andean Cultures of South America

Cultures Develop in the Andes

• In about 900 B.C., the Chavín people built a huge temple complex in the Andes.

• Between A.D. 100 and 700 the Moche people claimed an empire along the northern coast of Peru.

• They learned how to fertilize soil and irrigate plants.

• They built roads to connect parts of the empire.

• Between 500 B.C. and A.D. 500, the Nazca people etched geoglyphs in the desert of southern Peru.

Inca Rulers Maintain a Large Empire

• The powerful Inca civilization appeared in the 1100s.

• In 1438, Pachacuti Inca proclaimed himself emperor.

• He began to conquer the neighboring peoples. Eventually, 2,500 miles along the Andes were ruled from Cuzco.

• There was no personal property in the empire, and men could be required to serve as laborers for a time.

• Records were kept by knotting strings called quipus.

• A single language and religion, as well as an extensive road system, united the empire.

Daily Life of the Inca• Inca life was strictly

regulated. Farmers also labored on temples and other building projects.

• Some people were employed as metalworkers, others developed medical practices such as surgery.

• People celebrated monthly festivals that honored the many gods they worshipped.

Looking Ahead

• In 1525, the sudden death of the Inca emperor would come at a bad time.

• Civil war would break out just before the arrival of the Spanish.