Norte Chico

Definition

Norte Chico, also known as the Caral-Supe civilization, refers to an ancient Andean civilization that emerged around 3000 BCE in what is now modern-day Peru. It is significant for being one of the earliest complex societies in the Americas, showcasing early agricultural practices, urban planning, and monumental architecture during the Neolithic Revolution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Norte Chico is considered one of the oldest civilizations in the Americas, developing around 3000 BCE, even before the rise of the Maya and Aztec civilizations.
2. The society relied heavily on agriculture, particularly the cultivation of cotton, beans, and squash, which helped support its urban centers.
3. Unlike other contemporaneous civilizations, Norte Chico did not have a writing system but developed complex social structures and trade networks.
4. Monumental architecture such as pyramids and large public buildings were constructed in Norte Chico, reflecting advanced engineering skills and social organization.
5. The civilization declined around 1800 BCE, likely due to environmental changes and resource depletion, but it laid important foundations for later Andean cultures.

Review Questions

• How did the agricultural practices of Norte Chico contribute to its development as a complex society?
  • Agricultural practices in Norte Chico were vital for its development as a complex society because they allowed for stable food production, which supported a growing population. The cultivation of crops like cotton, beans, and squash enabled surplus production, leading to trade and economic specialization. This agricultural foundation facilitated the emergence of urban centers and social stratification within the community.
• Discuss the significance of monumental architecture in Norte Chico and what it reveals about their society.
  • Monumental architecture in Norte Chico is significant because it illustrates advanced engineering skills and reflects the social organization of the civilization. Structures such as pyramids and large public buildings served not only religious or ceremonial purposes but also demonstrated the power and influence of elite classes within the society. The construction of these large-scale projects required coordinated labor efforts, indicating a complex societal structure capable of mobilizing resources and people.
• Evaluate the impact of environmental factors on the rise and decline of Norte Chico civilization in the context of early agricultural societies.
  • The rise of Norte Chico civilization was significantly impacted by favorable environmental conditions that allowed for successful agricultural practices. However, over time, environmental factors such as climate change and resource depletion contributed to its decline around 1800 BCE. This highlights how early agricultural societies were intricately tied to their natural surroundings, with fluctuations in climate directly affecting their ability to sustain large populations and complex societal structures.

Related terms

Caral:

The largest and most famous site of the Norte Chico civilization, known for its large pyramids and urban layout.

Agriculture:

The practice of cultivating land and raising crops, which was crucial for the development of complex societies like Norte Chico.

Quipu:

An ancient Incan device used for recording information using knotted strings, which may have roots in earlier Norte Chico practices.