Caral-Supe Empire DP Flashcards
Where is the Caral-Supe civilization located?
In the Supe Valley, on the north-central coast of Peru.
When did the Caral-Supe civilization flourish?
Between approximately 2600 and 2000 BCE.
What makes Caral-Supe significant?
It is one of the oldest civilizations in the Americas.
What is the most famous city of the Caral-Supe civilization?
Caral.
What type of architecture is Caral-Supe known for?
Large, earthen platform pyramids.
Did the Caral-Supe civilization have writing?
There is no evidence of a written language.
How did the Caral-Supe people obtain food?
Primarily through agriculture (corn, beans, squash) and fishing.
What kind of technology did the Caral-Supe civilization develop?
Advanced irrigation systems and textile production.
Was there evidence of warfare in Caral-Supe society?
There is little to no evidence of warfare.
What is the significance of the quipu in Caral-Supe society?
It may have been used for record-keeping and communication.
What is the name of the main pyramid at the Caral site?
The Pyramid of the Arenal.
How did the Caral-Supe people transport goods over long distances?
Possibly through trade networks and coastal navigation.
What are some of the challenges faced by archaeologists studying Caral-Supe?
Erosion, looting, and limited access to the site.
How was the Caral-Supe civilization discovered?
By Peruvian archaeologist Ruth Shady.
When was the Caral-Supe civilization declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
2009.
What is the significance of the Caral-Supe civilization for understanding the development of civilization in the Americas?
It demonstrates that complex societies developed independently in the Americas.
Did the Caral-Supe civilization have any contact with other ancient civilizations?
There is evidence of possible trade and cultural exchange with other Andean cultures.
What is the primary source of water for the Caral-Supe region?
The Supe River.
What kind of social organization likely existed in Caral-Supe society?
A hierarchical society with a ruling elite.
What evidence suggests the existence of long-distance trade in Caral-Supe?
The presence of exotic materials like spondylus shells from the Ecuadorian coast.
What is the significance of the sunken circular courts found at Caral?
They may have had ceremonial or ritual purposes.
What is the current state of archaeological research at Caral?
Ongoing excavations and research continue to reveal new information about the civilization.
How did the Caral-Supe civilization decline?
The reasons for the decline are still under debate by archaeologists.
What is the impact of the discovery of Caral-Supe on our understanding of ancient American civilizations?
It has challenged traditional narratives about the origins of civilization in the Americas.
What is the importance of preserving the archaeological sites of Caral-Supe?
To understand the past, protect cultural heritage, and promote tourism.
