SS-6

The Chavin Civilization The Chavin civilization developed on the Andes Mountain range which is located in South America. South America has a wide range of climates. Most of the continent receives a great deal of rainfall. However, half of South America is warm and rainy. These warm and rainy areas are called tropical zones. The Andes extends about 5,500 miles from Venezuela in the north to Chile at the southern tip of South America.

The Chavin Civilization was an Andean culture that flourished between 900 and 200 B.C. Archeologists have not discovered much about the Chavin culture. The little they know is based off the ruins of the structures they built. The ruins of a huge U-shaped temple stand high in the Andes of Peru in a place called Chavin de Huantar. Archaeologists believe that the Chavin civilization was primarily united by religion.

Religion

Some archeologists believe that Chavin de Huantar was a holy city. Archaeologists believe the community of the Chavin civilization consisted of rulers, which were perhaps priests, and farmers. The farmers made up most of the Chavin society. Archaeologists believe these farmers built the religious center called the Chavin de Huantar and worked there to fulfill their religious duty..

Art

The Chavin culture spread across much of northern and central Peru. Archaeologists know this because they have found the Chavin art style in religious images throughout the northern coast of Peru. This style is seen in stone carvings and in beautiful black and red pottery. The Chavin also embroidered images into woven cloth called textiles. Many archaeologists believe that the Chavin art is influenced and incorporated in other cultures.

Mark True or False

1. The Chavin civilization developed along the Andes mountain range. T or F2. Archaeologists believe that the Chavin culture was united by religion. T or F 3. Chavin de Huantar was a holy city. T or F4. The Chavin art culture consisted of pottery and textiles. T or F

5. The Andes mountain range is located in north america. T or F

Discussion Questions

1. What are the geographic features of the Andes?

2. What can you infer about the Chavin de Huantar?

3. List 3 characteristics of the Chavin culture.