What do you understand by Caral?

Caral, or Caral-Supe, was a large settlement in the Supe Valley, near Supe, Barranca province, Peru, some 200 km north of Lima. Caral is the most ancient city of the Americas, and is a well-studied site of the Caral civilization or Norte Chico civilization.

Why is Caral a significant archaeological site?

It is attributed an antiquity of 5000 years and it is considered the oldest city in America and one of the oldest in the world, since no other older site with such a diversity of monumental buildings, with different ceremonial and administrative functions has been found so far on that continent.

What caused the civilization of Caral to rise?

The development of widespread irrigation from these water sources is seen as decisive in the emergence of Caral-Supe; since all of the monumental architecture at various sites has been found close to irrigation channels.

Is Caral the oldest civilization?

With more than 5 thousand years old, Caral is considered the oldest civilization in the American continent.

What was unique about the Caral civilization?

The most impressive achievement of these civilizations was its monumental architecture, including large earthwork platform mounds and sunken circular plazas. Archaeological evidence suggests use of textile technology and, possibly, the worship of common god symbols, both of which recur in pre-Columbian Andean cultures.

Who lived in Caral?

The Norte Chico civilization – the inhabitants of Caral The Caral-Supe civilization lived in what is now known as Norte Chico in Peru, an area that stretches along the coast from the centre to the northern tip of the country. Collectively, this ancient culture established at least 30 major settlements.

Why is Caral Peru important?

Caral is the origin of Andean culture. More than five thousand years old, Caral developed at the same time as other great cultures in Mesopotamia, Egypt and China. Now a World Heritage Site, Caral was an imposing urban center, and its farming techniques and sustainable practices remain a reference point to this day.

What is the distinction of Caral in north central Peru?

Caral is not the largest urban center, but it is distinguished by its elaborate architectural design—notably its spacious areas for public gatherings—and the heavy investment of labor evident in its construction. It covers 66 hectares, in which one can distinguish a central area and an outlying area.

What is the history of Caral?

Caral was the main city in the ancient Norte Chico civilization. It is the oldest known complex civilization in all of the Americas, a perfect place to visit while you’re in Peru. The site is rich with thousands of years of history.

What are the characteristics of the Caral civilization?

The Caral or Caral-Supe civilization, as it is also known, flourished in the north-central area of the present-day territory of Peru and came to have around 30 populated settlements. The most transcendental achievement of this culture was its architectural development, with monumental stone and clay buildings.

Where did the Caral-Supe live?

The Norte Chico civilization – the inhabitants of Caral. The Caral-Supe civilization lived in what is now known as Norte Chico in Peru, an area that stretches along the coast from the centre to the northern tip of the country.

What is the urban complex of Caral known for?

The urban complex of Caral takes up more than 150 acres, and holds plazas, dwellings, and a 28-meters-high temple. Its urban plan was used by Andean civilizations for the next four thousand years. One of the artifacts found at Caral is a knotted textile piece named a quipu, which archaeologists believe was a method of keeping records.