also had a massive complex of interconnected rooms known as Pueblo Bonito, which housed hundreds of people. The ancient Pueblo people were known for their intricate pottery and impressive cliff dwellings.
In the far south of South America, the Mapuche people thrived. They were skilled warriors and successfully resisted both the Inca and Spanish invasions. They lived in small, autonomous communities and had a strong sense of identity and independence.
Overall, South America during this time period was a diverse and dynamic region, with advanced civilizations and smaller, more independent communities coexisting and interacting with each other.
came a cultural and religious hub for the surrounding region. The ancient Pueblo people also constructed impressive cliff dwellings, such as those found at Mesa Verde, where they lived and stored their food. However, by the 13th century, the ancient Pueblo people faced increasing droughts and resource depletion, leading to the abandonment of many of their settlements.
In South America, the Chachapoya civilization, known as the “Warriors of the Clouds,” flourished in the Andes mountains of present-day Peru. They built fortified cities and intricate stone structures, such as the Kuelap fortress, which contained over 400 buildings. The Chachapoya had a complex society with highly skilled artisans, and they were known for their masonry and textile work. However, they eventually fell to the Inca Empire in the late 15th century.
Overall, during this time period, the Andean region and the Eastern Woodlands of North America saw the rise and fall of various civilizations and cultures. These societies developed complex political systems, built impressive structures, and engaged in trade and exchange networks. However, factors such as environmental conditions, warfare, and societal changes led to the decline and disappearance of many of these civilizations.
lped to create a prosperous society that thrived for centuries. The ancient Pueblo were known for their impressive adobe cliff dwellings, such as those found at Mesa Verde National Park. These cliff dwellings were built into the sides of cliffs and provided protection and shelter for the community.
In South America, the Chimu Empire was flourishing during this time. The Chimu people were skilled in irrigation and had an extensive network of canals to support their agricultural practices. However, they faced challenges from natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes, which led to the decline of their empire.
During the late Horizon period, the Inca Empire emerged as the most powerful and well-known civilization in the Andean region. Under the leadership of rulers like Pachacuti and Tupac Inca, the Inca expanded their empire through conquest and established a centralized government. They had an efficient road system that extended for thousands of miles and played a key role in their military and economic success. The Inca also developed advanced agricultural techniques and had a strong influence on the cultures and languages of the regions they conquered.
In addition to the larger civilizations, there were also smaller cultures and chiefdoms throughout South America. These included the Muiska Confederation in Colombia, known for their goldwork, and various cultures in the Amazon basin, such as the Kambaba who practiced head flattening.
Overall, the period from the late Intermediate to the late Horizon saw the rise and fall of several powerful civilizations in South America, each leaving their mark on the region’s history and culture. The Inca Empire, in particular, would go on to become the largest pre-Columbian empire in the Americas.