Caral-Supe civilization

Main thing

The Caral-Supe civilization, also known as the Norte Chico civilization, is the oldest known civilization in the Americas. It was a complex society that thrived between the 30th century B.C. and the 18th century B.C. in what is now the north-central coast of Peru. This civilization was remarkable for its monumental architecture, including large platform mounds and sunken circular plazas. An example of this in real life is the Sacred City of Caral, a well-studied site that was a major urban center full of monumental architecture.

Terms

• Caral-Supe civilization: This is the oldest known civilization in the Americas, which flourished between the 30th century B.C. and the 18th century B.C. Example: The Sacred City of Caral is a major site of the Caral-Supe civilization.

• Monumental architecture: This refers to large man-made structures of stone or earth. Example: The Caral-Supe civilization is known for its monumental architecture, including large platform mounds and sunken circular plazas.

• Platform mounds: These are flat-topped mounds built with layers of soil, sand, or other materials. Example: The Caral-Supe civilization built large platform mounds as part of their monumental architecture.

• Sunken circular plazas: These are circular areas that are lower than the surrounding ground level. Example: The Caral-Supe civilization built sunken circular plazas as part of their monumental architecture.

An analogy

Think of the Caral-Supe civilization like a large, bustling city today. Just as modern cities have skyscrapers and public squares, the Caral-Supe civilization had its own monumental architecture in the form of large platform mounds and sunken circular plazas.

A main misconception

A common misconception is that all ancient civilizations had ceramics and visual art. However, the Caral-Supe civilization was completely devoid of ceramics and art. Instead, they used textile technology for record-keeping and possibly other purposes.

The history

The Caral-Supe civilization began around the 30th century B.C. and declined around the 18th century B.C. It was a complex society that included up to thirty major population centers in what is now the north-central coast of Peru. The civilization was known for its monumental architecture, including large platform mounds and sunken circular plazas. Despite its complexity, the civilization completely lacked ceramics and visual art. Instead, they used textile technology for record-keeping and possibly other purposes. The civilization began to decline around 1800 B.C., possibly due to natural events such as earthquakes and the El Niño phenomenon.

Three cases how to use it right now

1. In archaeology, understanding the Caral-Supe civilization can help archaeologists interpret findings from other pre-Columbian societies in the Americas. The main benefits of using this knowledge are: it provides a baseline for comparison and helps archaeologists understand the development of ancient civilizations in the Americas.

2. In history education, teaching about the Caral-Supe civilization can help students understand the diversity and complexity of ancient civilizations. The main benefits of using this knowledge are: it broadens students' understanding of human history and challenges Eurocentric narratives of civilization.

3. In tourism, promoting the sites of the Caral-Supe civilization can attract visitors interested in history and archaeology. The main benefits of using this knowledge are: it can boost local economies and promote cultural heritage preservation.

Interesting facts

1. The Caral-Supe civilization is the oldest known civilization in the Americas.

2. Despite its complexity, the Caral-Supe civilization completely lacked ceramics and visual art.

3. The civilization used textile technology for record-keeping and possibly other purposes.

4. The civilization began to decline around 1800 B.C., possibly due to natural events such as earthquakes and the El Niño phenomenon.

5. The Sacred City of Caral, a major site of the Caral-Supe civilization, was a major urban center full of monumental architecture.