Chimor

Quick Facts: Who was Chimor?

Subject:

Chimor

Known for:

Major pre-Inca culture on the northern coast of Peru, known for its vast empire and artistry.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Chimor (also Kingdom of Chimor or Chimú Empire) was the political grouping of the Chimú culture (Spanish pronunciation: [tʃiˈmu]). The culture arose about 900 CE, succeeding the Moche culture, and was later conquered by the Inca emperor Topa Inca Yupanqui around 1470, fifty years before the arrival of the Spanish in the region. Chimor was the largest kingdom in the Late Intermediate Period, encompassing 1,000 kilometres (620 mi) of modern-day Peruvian coastline. According to Chimú oral history, the history of Chimor began with the arrival of Taycanamo in the Moche Valley from the sea on a balsa raft. From there, his descendants would conquer surrounding areas starting with his son Guacricur.

Career & Major Achievements

Guacricur integrated Chimú's reign over the lower valley and Ñancempinco, Taycanamo's grandson, would expand the kingdom by conquering the upper valley. Ñançenpinco began further expansion both north and south of the Moche Valleys. The first valleys seem to have joined forces willingly, but the Sican culture was acquired through conquest. They also were significantly influenced by the pre-Inca Cajamarca and Wari cultures. According to legend, its capital of Chan Chan was founded by Taycanamo.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Chimor was the last kingdom that had any chance of stopping the Inca Empire. But the Inca conquest began in the 1470s by Topa Inca Yupanqui, defeating the emperor and descendant of Taycanamo, Minchançaman, and was nearly complete when Huayna Capac assumed the throne in 1493. The Chimú resided on a strip of desert on the northern coast of Peru. The rivers in the region carved a series of fertile valley plains, which were very flat and well-suited to irrigation. Agriculture and fishing were both very important to the Chimú economy.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1470: 1470 Milestone — The culture arose about 900 CE, succeeding the Moche culture, and was later conquered by the Inca emperor Topa Inca Yupanqui around 1470, fifty years before the arrival of the Spanish in the region.
2. 1493: 1493 Milestone — But the Inca conquest began in the 1470s by Topa Inca Yupanqui, defeating the emperor and descendant of Taycanamo, Minchançaman, and was nearly complete when Huayna Capac assumed the throne in 1493.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Chimor

True or False: “The Chimú people worshipped the Sun as their supreme deity, placing it above all other celestial bodies.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The Chimú culture uniquely revered the Moon, considering it more powerful than the Sun in their religious rites.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Agüeybaná II — Historical peer (Born in 1470) (1470): Powerful Taíno cacique of Borinquen, leading resistance against Spanish conquest.
• Charles VIII of France — Historical peer (Born in 1470) (1470): King of France who secured the Duchy of Brittany and conquered the Italian Peninsula.
• Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor — Historical peer (Died in 1493) (1493): Holy Roman Emperor and fourth King of the Romans from the House of Habsburg.
• Martín Alonso Pinzón — Historical peer (Died in 1493) (1493): Spanish mariner and explorer, pivotal figure in the voyages to the New World.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chimor