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HISTODEX

Rise of the Moche Civilization

c. 100–c. 700

Moche society developed irrigation agriculture, monumental earthen architecture, and sophisticated metalwork and pottery on Peru’s arid northern coast.

A historical reconstruction of cities, technology, and culture at the northern coast of Peru, showing the setting of Rise of the Moche Civilization
Reconstruction note: This educational reconstruction is not a primary-source image of the event.
Period
c. 100–c. 700
Kind
Cultural event
Regions
Latin America
Keywords
Rise of the Moche Civilization · the northern coast of Peru · ancient · background · turning point · impact

Follow the story · Four stages

  1. Background

    Political, social, and commercial changes around the northern coast of Peru formed the setting: Moche society developed irrigation agriculture, monumental earthen architecture, and sophisticated metalwork and pottery on Peru’s arid northern coast.

    • In and around the northern coast of Peru, the setting took shape as Moche society developed irrigation agriculture, monumental earthen architecture, and sophisticated metalwork and pottery on Peru’s arid northern coast.
    • Core event: Moche society developed irrigation agriculture, monumental earthen architecture, and sophisticated metalwork and pottery on Peru’s arid northern coast.
    • Connection to the next stage: Moche society developed irrigation agriculture, monumental earthen architecture, and sophisticated metalwork and pottery on Peru’s arid northern coast. The change unfolded through decisions by rulers, institutions, and local communities.
    Historical reconstruction of Rise of the Moche Civilization's background: In and around the northern coast of Peru, the setting took shape as Moche society developed irrigation agriculture, monumental earthen architecture, and sophisticated metalwork and pottery on Peru’s arid northern coast.

  2. Course

    Moche society developed irrigation agriculture, monumental earthen architecture, and sophisticated metalwork and pottery on Peru’s arid northern coast. The choices of the participating powers and responses of local communities shaped the course.

    • Moche society developed irrigation agriculture, monumental earthen architecture, and sophisticated metalwork and pottery on Peru’s arid northern coast.
    • The change unfolded through decisions by rulers, institutions, and local communities.
    • Conditions behind the action: In and around the northern coast of Peru, the setting took shape as Moche society developed irrigation agriculture, monumental earthen architecture, and sophisticated metalwork and pottery on Peru’s arid northern coast.
    Historical reconstruction of Rise of the Moche Civilization's central action: Moche society developed irrigation agriculture, monumental earthen architecture, and sophisticated metalwork and pottery on Peru’s arid northern coast.

  3. Outcome

    As a result, It left rich archaeological evidence for state formation and ritual practice in the Andes.

    • It left rich archaeological evidence for state formation and ritual practice in the Andes.
    • Process producing the result: Moche society developed irrigation agriculture, monumental earthen architecture, and sophisticated metalwork and pottery on Peru’s arid northern coast. The change unfolded through decisions by rulers, institutions, and local communities.
    • Question carried forward: In the longer term, it left rich archaeological evidence for state formation and ritual practice in the andes.
    Historical reconstruction of Rise of the Moche Civilization's immediate aftermath: It left rich archaeological evidence for state formation and ritual practice in the Andes.

  4. Historical significance

    The significance of this event lies in the fact that it left rich archaeological evidence for state formation and ritual practice in the andes.

    • In the longer term, it left rich archaeological evidence for state formation and ritual practice in the andes.
    • Immediate consequence: It left rich archaeological evidence for state formation and ritual practice in the Andes.
    • Historical turning point: Moche society developed irrigation agriculture, monumental earthen architecture, and sophisticated metalwork and pottery on Peru’s arid northern coast.
    Historical reconstruction of Rise of the Moche Civilization's long-term consequences: In the longer term, it left rich archaeological evidence for state formation and ritual practice in the andes.

Related events

  1. c. 100

    Earlier conditions

    Historical reconstruction of the “Earlier conditions” stage in Rise of the Moche Civilization

    Earlier conditions — Background: In and around the northern coast of Peru, the setting took shape as Moche society developed irrigation agriculture, monumental earthen architecture, and sophisticated metalwork and pottery on Peru’s arid northern coast.

  2. c. 100

    Forces in motion

    Historical reconstruction of the “Forces in motion” stage in Rise of the Moche Civilization

    Forces in motion — Build-up: Moche society developed irrigation agriculture, monumental earthen architecture, and sophisticated metalwork and pottery on Peru’s arid northern coast. The change unfolded through decisions by rulers, institutions, and local communities.

  3. c. 100–c. 700

    Rise of the Moche Civilization

    Current event

    Historical reconstruction of the “Rise of the Moche Civilization” stage in Rise of the Moche Civilization

    Rise of the Moche Civilization — Central transition: Moche society developed irrigation agriculture, monumental earthen architecture, and sophisticated metalwork and pottery on Peru’s arid northern coast.

  4. c. 700

    Immediate aftermath

    Historical reconstruction of the “Immediate aftermath” stage in Rise of the Moche Civilization

    Immediate aftermath — Immediate result: It left rich archaeological evidence for state formation and ritual practice in the Andes.

  5. c. 700

    Enduring consequences

    Historical reconstruction of the “Enduring consequences” stage in Rise of the Moche Civilization

    Enduring consequences — Long-term significance: In the longer term, it left rich archaeological evidence for state formation and ritual practice in the andes.

Sources