Ancient Cultures

The actual territory of modern-day Peru was the main center of the Inca Empire, also known as the Tahuantinsuyo (four regions). After the Spanish conquest, it was the largest and most important Spanish Viceroyalty in the Americas.

Archaeological evidence indicates that hunters and gatherers have inhabited Peru for perhaps 20,000 years, based on evidence present in sites located in the caves of Piquimachay (Ayacucho), Chivateros, Lauricocha, Paijan, and Toquepala. Some of the oldest identifiable cultures appeared in 6000 BCE on the coast (in the provinces of Chilca and Paracas) and in the highlands (in the province of Callejon de Huaylas). Over the following 3000 years, humans became sedentary, judging from sites such as Kotosh and Huaca Prieta. Cultivation of plants such as corn and cotton (Gossypium Barbadense) began, as well as the domestication of animals. Some years later, inhabitants developed the spinning and knitting of cotton and wool in additon to basketry and pottery.

The map of the TahuantinsuyoMore advanced Andean civilizations appeared in 900 BCE. They were: Caral, Chavin – The Peruvian Mother Culture, according to Julio C. Tello, Paracas, Mochica, Nazca, Tiahuanaco, Wari, Chimu.

These cultures developed relatively advanced techniques of cultivation, gold and silver work, pottery, metallurgy and knitting. They also developed systems of social organization that were the precursors of (around 700 BCE) the great Inca civilization.

Minor civilizations on the edge of the eastern Andes that were essentially integrated into the Inca empire include: Malbecs, Hu-Tyus, Punos, Mari-Tiu-Tie, Olbraqeus.

However, not all Andean cultures were willing to offer their loyalty to the Incas as they expanded their empire, and many were openly hostile. The people of the Chachapoyas culture were only later integrated into the Inca Empire, albeit with much difficulty.

source: wikipedia.org

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