Chavin Civilization
Chavin Civilization
Geography
Geography
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The Chavin civilization was located in the mountains of central
Peru, near the coast.
The only major city was Chavín de Huántar, located at 10,000 feet
above sea level.
The climate is mostly cool and dry because of its high elevation, but
the area receives a lot of rain in a short period of time every year
during the rainy season.
The city sits near the source of the Marañón River, which flows
down into the rainforest far below.
History
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The Chavin civilization was located in the mountains of central
Peru, near the coast.
The only major city was Chavín de Huántar, located at 10,000 feet
above sea level.
The climate is mostly cool and dry because of its high elevation, but
the area receives a lot of rain in a short period of time every year
during the rainy season.
The city sits near the source of the Marañón River, which flows
down into the rainforest far below.
History
The first signs of agriculture appear in the area around 3000 BCE,
but city of Chavin de Huantar was not built until around 900 BCE.
The city and culture thrived for about 700 years, producing an
impressive city and a wide variety of art before things started to go
downhill.
Around 400 BCE, the city's population suddenly started growing,
and this probably had something to do with the civilization's
disappearance around 200 BCE, perhaps by upsetting the social
structure or not being able to farm enough food to feed everybody.
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The first signs of agriculture appear in the area around 3000 BCE,
but city of Chavin de Huantar was not built until around 900 BCE.
The city and culture thrived for about 700 years, producing an
impressive city and a wide variety of art before things started to go
downhill.
Around 400 BCE, the city's population suddenly started growing,
and this probably had something to do with the civilization's
disappearance around 200 BCE, perhaps by upsetting the social
structure or not being able to farm enough food to feed everybody.
Economy
Economy
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The Chavin relied on agriculture and domesticated animals for their
food supply. They primarily farmed corn, potatoes, and quinoa (a
small grain similar to rice).
Water was a precious resource in the area, so they used irrigation
to divert water from mountain streams and collected rainwater
whenever possible.
Farms had to be terraced (built in levels) to fit the landscape something which farmers in the area still practice today.
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The Chavin relied on agriculture and domesticated animals for their
food supply. They primarily farmed corn, potatoes, and quinoa (a
small grain similar to rice).
Water was a precious resource in the area, so they used irrigation
to divert water from mountain streams and collected rainwater
whenever possible.
Farms had to be terraced (built in levels) to fit the landscape something which farmers in the area still practice today.
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They raised llamas for many purposes, including farm work, meat,
and weaving their hair into fabric for clothes.
Aside from agriculture, the Chavin were highly skilled at working
with metal (particularly gold), and carving stone.
Society
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They raised llamas for many purposes, including farm work, meat,
and weaving their hair into fabric for clothes.
Aside from agriculture, the Chavin were highly skilled at working
with metal (particularly gold), and carving stone.
Society
The layout of the city of Chavin de Huantar reflected the culture of
its people. The civilization was a theocracy (ruled by the top priests
instead of a king).
The city was built around a giant temple complex dedicated to their
many gods, and also served as the offices of their government.
The city as a whole had a sophisticated drainage system, both to
drain waste, and catch rainfall to flow into reservoirs for dry times.
Houses in Chavin de Huantar show a clear division between the
ruling priests, wealthy people, and poor people.
Interestingly, the city lacks any defensive walls, and there is no
evidence of warriors or weapons either in art or artifacts. It was
apparently a very isolated, peaceful society.
They never developed a writing system, and the language they
spoke is unknown.
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
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The layout of the city of Chavin de Huantar reflected the culture of
its people. The civilization was a theocracy (ruled by the top priests
instead of a king).
The city was built around a giant temple complex dedicated to their
many gods, and also served as the offices of their government.
The city as a whole had a sophisticated drainage system, both to
drain waste, and catch rainfall to flow into reservoirs for dry times.
Houses in Chavin de Huantar show a clear division between the
ruling priests, wealthy people, and poor people.
Interestingly, the city lacks any defensive walls, and there is no
evidence of warriors or weapons either in art or artifacts. It was
apparently a very isolated, peaceful society.
They never developed a writing system, and the language they
spoke is unknown.
1. In what ways was the Chavin civilization similar to other cultures you’ve
studied so far? How was it different?
1. In what ways was the Chavin civilization similar to other cultures you’ve
studied so far? How was it different?
2. List three ways that Chavin’s suddenly growing population near the end
of its civilization might have contributed to its downfall.
2. List three ways that Chavin’s suddenly growing population near the end
of its civilization might have contributed to its downfall.
3. What are some possible reasons why the Chavin never developed a
writing system? How would not having a writing system change the way the
society functioned?
3. What are some possible reasons why the Chavin never developed a
writing system? How would not having a writing system change the way the
society functioned?