THE MOCHE PEOPLES
ANCESTORS OF THE INCA
MOCHE CIVILIZATION (200-700 AD):
Around 200 CE the Moche developed cultural and political tools that allowed them to dominate the north coastal region of Peru. Cerro Blanco – powerful urban center that established control over smaller towns and villages Moche rulers forced commoners and subject peoples to build and maintain the complex agricultural irrigation system Cultivated maize, quinoa, beans, manioc, and sweet potatoes Moche society was highly stratified (distinct social classes) and theocratic (based on religious beliefs) Natural disasters led to the decline of the Moche: -Long-term climate change -Heavy rains caused erosion |
THE INCA
GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE:
Most famous city is Cuzco, in Peru. Included up to 6 million people at its height of power. Hereditary chiefs carried out local government-military. ECONOMY AND TRADE: Trade: textiles (wool/cotton), animals, weaving, metallurgy: gold/silver/copper Forced labor for all Inca subjects Most Inca were pastoralists. MILITARY: All young men served in army. INTELLECTUAL ACHIEVEMENTS: No writing system-used khipus, a knotted system of strings. Used llamas as beasts of burden (work animals) |