Moche

Definition

The Moche were an ancient civilization that thrived in northern Peru from around 100 to 800 CE. Known for their impressive architectural achievements and sophisticated irrigation systems, the Moche played a vital role in the early cultures and civilizations of the Americas, particularly through their advancements in agriculture, art, and social organization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Moche civilization is famous for its monumental architecture, including the Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna, which were used for religious and administrative purposes.
2. They developed advanced irrigation techniques that allowed them to farm in the arid coastal desert of Peru, leading to successful agriculture that supported a complex society.
3. Moche society was stratified, with a ruling elite and skilled artisans who created intricate pottery, textiles, and metalwork that reflected their cultural values.
4. The Moche practiced complex burial rituals, often constructing elaborate tombs for their elite members filled with grave goods, including pottery and jewelry.
5. Their civilization declined around 800 CE, likely due to a combination of environmental changes, such as prolonged droughts, and internal conflict.

Review Questions

• How did the Moche use their geographical environment to develop advanced agricultural practices?
  • The Moche civilization was situated in a coastal desert region of northern Peru, which presented challenges for farming. They addressed these challenges by creating sophisticated irrigation systems that harnessed river water to irrigate their fields. This innovation allowed them to cultivate crops such as maize and beans effectively, leading to agricultural surpluses that supported their population and contributed to the growth of their complex society.
• Discuss the significance of Moche pottery and how it reflects their cultural values and beliefs.
  • Moche pottery is significant because it provides insight into their daily life, religious practices, and social structure. The pottery often featured detailed scenes depicting human figures, animals, and mythological themes, indicating the importance of storytelling and symbolism in Moche culture. Additionally, these artistic expressions showcase the high level of craftsmanship among Moche artisans and highlight their beliefs in the supernatural and societal hierarchy.
• Evaluate the factors that contributed to the decline of the Moche civilization and how this decline affected subsequent cultures in the region.
  • The decline of the Moche civilization around 800 CE was influenced by environmental changes such as severe droughts that disrupted agricultural production. Additionally, internal conflicts may have weakened their social structure. The collapse of the Moche had significant implications for subsequent cultures in the region; it created a power vacuum that allowed other societies like the Nazca to emerge and develop their own cultural identities, shaping the future of Andean civilizations.

Related terms

Chavín:

An earlier civilization that influenced the Moche, known for its religious center and art style that set the foundation for later Andean cultures.

Huaca del Sol: A large adobe pyramid constructed by the Moche, which served as a ceremonial center and demonstrated their architectural skills.

Pottery:

A significant aspect of Moche culture, characterized by detailed and realistic representations of animals, humans, and mythological scenes, showcasing their artistic abilities.