description Norte Chico civilization Overview
The Norte Chico civilization, also known as the Caral-Supe civilization, was a complex pre-Columbian society that thrived in the Supe Valley of coastal Peru between roughly 3500 and 1800 BCE. As the oldest known civilization in the Americas, it is distinguished by its dense urban settlements, most notably the sacred city of Caral, which features massive stepped pyramids, sunken circular plazas, and residential complexes. Uniquely for an early complex society, Norte Chico developed without the widespread use of ceramics, relying heavily on maritime resources and cultivated cotton for its economic and social organization.
help Norte Chico civilization FAQ
What is the Norte Chico civilization also called?
The Norte Chico civilization is also known as the Caral-Supe civilization. It developed in the Supe Valley on the central coast of Peru.
When did the Norte Chico civilization exist?
Norte Chico flourished roughly between 3500 and 1800 BCE. It is regarded as the oldest known civilization in the Americas.
What was distinctive about Norte Chico society?
Norte Chico developed dense urban centers, monumental architecture, and organized communities without the kind of ceramic tradition often associated with later civilizations. Its major sites include Caral and other settlements in the coastal valleys of Peru.
Where did the Norte Chico civilization build its cities?
Its settlements were concentrated in coastal river valleys, especially the Supe Valley. These valleys provided access to farming land and Pacific coastal resources in an otherwise dry region.
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