What did the Moche do?
The Moche channeled streams flowing down from the Andes into an extensive system of irrigation canals that were used to grow corn (maize), beans, and other crops. The Moche produced sophisticated craft goods, including mold-made pottery that is among the finest naturalistic sculpture in pre-Columbian Peru.
What did the Moche empire trade?
So, what trade the Moche did engage in was largely to exchange works of art, weapons, and other goods. The Moche were master craftsmen and created elaborate ceramic sculpture and other artwork. They had large quantities of gold and silver and Moche artisans worked well in these mediums.
What type of government did the Moche have?
They had a hierarchical government and social structure. At the top were the royal family and warrior priests, who made most of the government decisions and controlled the Moche religion, which relied on human sacrifice. Warrior priests presided over religious ceremonies and conquered foes for blood rituals to gods.
Why was Moche important?
The Moche were contemporary with the Nazca civilization (200 BCE – 600 CE) further down the coast but, thanks to their conquest of surrounding territories, they were able to accumulate the wealth and power necessary to establish themselves as one of the most unique and important early-Andean cultures.
What are South American civilizations?
Cultures that may be considered advanced or civilized include Norte Chico, Cahokia, Zapotec, Toltec, Olmec, Maya, Aztec, Chimor, Mixtec, Moche, Mississippian, Puebloan, Totonac, Teotihuacan, Huastec people, Purépecha, Izapa, Mazatec, Muisca, and the Inca.
What century did the South American Moche society suddenly vanish?
The two-chambered complex would have held Moche ceremonies. But then, around A.D. 700, the society mysteriously disappeared. Some scientists say it was destroyed by catastrophic El Niño flooding, which still douses the region today.
Who came after the Moche?
Moche culture
| Preceded by | Succeeded by |
|---|---|
| Chavín culture | Wari culture |