The Pre-Incan History of Peru

When you hear "Peru" and "history" together, do you automatically think "Incas"? Does the image of Machu Picchu instantly pop into your mind?  

If so, you're definitely not alone.  Most people who are basically familiar with Peru would probably make this association. Prior to year and a half ago, I certainly would have. 

But after a bit of research, I've come to realize that Peru was home to many other great civilizations besides just the Incas. In fact, the Incas only occupied a few hundred years of Peru's past, and they only ruled as an "empire" for a century or so.  Almost 5000 years before the Incas, the western hemisphere's oldest "great civilization" arose in Peru, along with the oldest city!

In my latest "vlog," I overview several major civilizations that existed long before the "Land of the Incas" (all dates are approximate, of course). Since this is a broad topic, I've only highlighted a few of their influences upon later cultures in Peru.  Discussed in the vlog are:

• Norte Chico (3500 B.C. to 1500 B.C.)
• Chavín (1500 B.C. to 200 B.C.
• Nazca (200 B.C. to 600 A.D.)
• Moche (100 A.D. to 700 A.D.)
• Tiwanaku (300 B.C. to 1000 A.D.)
• Wari (500 A.D. to 1000 A.D.)
• Followed by the "Time of War" (political instability, conflict, and environmental change)

Many other Peruvian civilizations have been studied by archaeologists, while some undoubtedly await discovery. Who knows which one Patrick Eaton might stumble across in his next adventure!

Till next time, don't stop exploring.

Andrew C. Katen