Periodization of pre-Columbian Peru facts for kids
This is a way to understand the different cultural periods of ancient Peru and the Andean Region. Archaeologists like John Rowe and Edward Lanning created this system. Another archaeologist, Luis Lumbreras, has a slightly different way of dating some discoveries.
Most of the cultures from the Late Horizon and some from the Late Intermediate period became part of the Inca Empire by 1493. This period officially ends in 1532, which is when the Inca Empire fell after the Spanish conquest. Many of the end dates for these periods are linked to big changes in weather, like severe droughts. These droughts often caused people to move their farms, leading to the end of one culture and the start of another.
Newer discoveries, like the Norte Chico civilization, are not fully included in this list. This is because the chart was made before places like Caral were studied in detail.
Ancient Peru: The Stone Age and Before Pottery
The earliest times in ancient Peru are called the Lithic and Preceramic periods. During these times, people mostly used stone tools and had not yet learned to make pottery.
| Period | Dates | Key Cultures |
|---|---|---|
| Lithic and Andean preceramic (Before Pottery) | ||
| Period I | 12000 BCE – 9500 BCE | Red Zone, Oquendo |
| Period II | 9500 BCE – 8000 BCE | Chivateros I |
| Period III | 8000 BCE – 6000 BCE | Arenal, Chivateros II, Lauricocha I, Toquepala I |
| Period IV | 6000 BCE – 4200 BCE | Ambo, Siches, Lauricocha II, Toquepala II |
| Period V | 4200 BCE – 2500 BCE | Honda, Lauricocha III, Viscachani |
| Period VI (Cotton Pre-ceramic) | 2500 BCE – 1800 BCE | Norte Chico (Caral), Buena Vista, Huaca Prieta |
Lithic Period (12000 BCE – 6000 BCE)
This is the oldest period, when people were hunter-gatherers. They used simple stone tools. Important sites include Chivateros and Toquepala, where ancient cave paintings have been found.
Andean Preceramic Period (6000 BCE – 1800 BCE)
During this time, people started to settle down more. They began to farm and build early villages. The Cotton Pre-ceramic period is special because people started growing cotton to make textiles, even before they made pottery. The Norte Chico civilization, with its impressive city of Caral, is a key example from this time.
Ancient Peru: The Ceramic Age
This era begins when people learned to make pottery, which was a big step forward for ancient societies.
| Ceramic (Pottery Age) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Initial Period (Formative) | 1800 BCE – 900 BCE | Early Chiripa, Kotosh culture, Cupisnique, Las Haldas |
| Early Horizon (Formative) | 900 BCE – 200 BCE | Chavín, Late Chiripa, Paracas, Pucará |
| Early Intermediate | 200 BCE – 600 CE | Moche, Nazca, Recuay, Lima, Tiwanaku |
| Middle Horizon | 600 CE – 1000 CE | Wari, Tiwanaku, Sican |
| Late Intermediate | 1000 CE – 1476 CE | Chimú, Chancay, Chincha, Aymara kingdoms |
| Late Horizon | 1476 CE – 1534 CE | Inca |
Initial Period (1800 BCE – 900 BCE)
This period marks the beginning of pottery making in the Andes. People started building larger ceremonial centers. The Cumbe Mayo aqueduct, an amazing ancient water system, was built around 1000 BCE.
Early Horizon (900 BCE – 200 BCE)
This time saw the rise of the Chavín culture, which had a big influence on art and religion across the region. Other important groups included the Paracas, known for their beautiful textiles and mummies.
Early Intermediate Period (200 BCE – 600 CE)
During this period, many different regional cultures developed. The Moche were famous for their detailed pottery and impressive pyramids. The Nazca created the mysterious Nazca Lines, huge drawings on the desert floor. The Tiwanaku culture also began to grow in the highlands.
Middle Horizon (600 CE – 1000 CE)
This was a time when two major empires expanded: the Wari and the Tiwanaku. They spread their influence and ideas over large areas, building cities and complex road systems.
Late Intermediate Period (1000 CE – 1476 CE)
After the decline of the Wari and Tiwanaku empires, many smaller kingdoms and chiefdoms emerged. The Chimú kingdom, with its capital at Chan Chan, was one of the most powerful. They were skilled metalworkers and builders. Many other groups, like the Chincha and various Aymara kingdoms, also thrived during this time.
Late Horizon (1476 CE – 1534 CE)
This final period is dominated by the mighty Inca Empire. The Inca quickly expanded, bringing many different cultures under their rule. They built a vast empire with an incredible road network and impressive stone architecture. This period ended with the arrival of the Spanish in 1532.
See also
In Spanish: Anexo:Periodización del Perú prehispánico para niños
