A scientist might not pick that area as a likely site for an early and extensive civilization. There was no pottery. The people did not have a staple grain-based food, usually characteristic of other early civilizations. It was not even particularly fertile - irrigation was needed to grow crops. Neverthless, the research team has shown that the Andean area was home to a hunting and gathering society that developed into a complex society with monumental architecture, large circular ceremonial structures, and a mixed economy of agriculture and marine exploitation - all earlier than any other Andean civilization.
"This area is one of the world's 'cradles of civilization,'" said John Yellen, program manager at the National Science Foundation, which partially funded the study. "So this project's evidence of a highly developed, widespread society earlier than had been thought is very important. It provides new insight into the pathways that led to the development of complex societies."
Jonathan Haas, from The Field Museum in Chicago; and Winifred Creamer, of Northern Illinois University, were part of the research team; Alvaro Ruiz was the Peruvian co-director of the project.
For more information see:
Look for The Field Museum's press release: http://www.fieldmuseum.org/museum_info/press_room.htm
Look for the Northern Illinois University press release: http://www.niu.edu/pubaffairs/news.shtml
More information about the Norte Chico project: http://www.fieldmuseum.org/panc
Media contact: Elizabeth Malone, NSF, 703-292-7732, emalone@nsf.gov
Overview of a mound complex at the site of Vinto Alto in the Pativilca Valley, Peru. It is part of the Norte Chico area north of Lima. Credit: Jonathan Haas, The Field Museum
NSF-PR 04-160
Program contact: John Yellen, NSF, 703-292-8759, jyellen@snf.gov
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Nature