Caral–Supe civilization

Quick Facts: Who was Caral–Supe civilization?

Subject:

Caral–Supe civilization

Known for:

Ancient Peruvian civilization (c. 3500–1800 BCE) known for monumental, pre-ceramic urbanism.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Caral–Supe (also known as Caral and Norte Chico) was a complex pre-Columbian era society that included as many as thirty major population centers in what is now the Caral region of north-central coastal Peru. The civilization flourished between the 4th and 2nd millennia BCE, with the formation of the first city generally dated to around 3500 BCE, at Huaricanga, in the Fortaleza area. From 3100 BCE onward, large-scale human settlement and communal construction become clearly apparent. This lasted until a period of decline around 1800 BCE. Since the early 21st century, it has been recognized as the oldest-known civilization in the New World, and as one of the six sites where civilization separately originated in the ancient world.

Career & Major Achievements

This civilization flourished along three rivers, the Fortaleza, the Pativilca, and the Supe. These river valleys each have large clusters of sites. Farther south, there are several associated sites along the Huaura River. The name Caral–Supe is derived from the city of Caral in the Supe Valley, a large and well-studied site. Complex society in the Caral–Supe arose a millennium after Sumer in Mesopotamia, was contemporaneous with the Egyptian pyramids, and predated the Mesoamerican Olmecs by nearly two millennia.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In archaeological nomenclature, Caral–Supe is a pre-ceramic culture of the pre-Columbian Late Archaic; it completely lacked ceramics and no evidence of visual art has survived. The most impressive achievement of the civilization was its monumental architecture, including large earthwork platform mounds and sunken circular plazas. Archaeological evidence suggests use of textile technology and, possibly, the worship of common deity symbols, both of which recur in pre-Columbian Andean civilizations. Sophisticated government is presumed to have been required to manage the ancient Caral. Questions remain over its organization, particularly the influence of food resources on politics.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1800: 1800 Milestone — This lasted until a period of decline around 1800 BCE.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Caral–Supe civilization

True or False: “The Caral–Supe civilization was famous for its extensive use of sophisticated metallurgy and elaborate painted pottery.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Archaeological evidence shows that the culture completely lacked ceramics and there is no surviving evidence of visual art.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Caral–Supe civilization