Lasting from 100 C.E. to 800 C.E., the Mochica, or Moche, civilization created a prominent culture on the northern Peruvian coast.
A hot, dry desert dominates this region; however, rivers running from the Andes mountains to the Pacific ocean created the fertile valleys that the Moche people built their settlements near.
Evidence of the civilization was found as far north as the Lambayeque River and as far south as the Nepeña River.
The Mochica state is believed to have been centered around the Moche river valley where the capital city, called Moche, was discovered. The city contains two significant temples and evidence of a large population.
A hot, dry desert dominates this region; however, rivers running from the Andes mountains to the Pacific ocean created the fertile valleys that the Moche people built their settlements near.
Evidence of the civilization was found as far north as the Lambayeque River and as far south as the Nepeña River.
The Mochica state is believed to have been centered around the Moche river valley where the capital city, called Moche, was discovered. The city contains two significant temples and evidence of a large population.
The Moche people did not have a centralized government but consisted of numerous city-states unified by a common culture. Each city-state would have a different ruler and system of politics. Because of the importance of religion and warfare in Mochica culture, a city-state would usually be ruled by a warrior or priest.
Mochica settlements tended to be built near rivers for irrigation purposes. They built extensive irrigation canals redirecting water from the river. With their field irrigated, they grew beans, cotton, corn, squash, chilies, and peanuts.
The Mochica people followed a polytheistic religion. They built temples to appease the gods and preformed complicated rituals, including human sacrifice. The gods depicted in artworks and architecture were shown as brutal and warlike. As a result, priests generally sacrificed prisoners of war. They believed in an afterlife and buried their royalty in tombs filled with gold jewelry.
The Moche people specialized in a variety of jobs. Being close to the ocean, many people worked as fishermen. On land, people could be farmers, hunters, soldiers, or artisans. There was also a smaller group of priests and warriors.
In Moche culture, there was also a social class system. The highest class consisted of honored priests and warriors. These people had positions of power and were important in politics. Next came the artisans, who crafted ceramic vessels and metal tools. Below the artisans were farmers and fishermen, who provided the city with food. At the lowest class were servants, beggars, and slaves.
The Moche artisans were very skilled in ceramics. Not only were their products useful, but they also depicted scenes that inform us a lot about their culture. The designs were based on mythology, ceremony, and daily life. From these drawings, we know about the importance of warfare and sacrifices in Mochica culture.
They also made metal jewelry from gold, silver, copper, and alloys.
The two temples standing in Moche city are the most prominent examples of Moche architecture. They built many pyramid-shaped temples with multiple platforms connected by ramps.
Their art and architecture tell us most about the culture and history of the Mochica civilization because they did not create a writing system to record events and beliefs.
They also made metal jewelry from gold, silver, copper, and alloys.
The two temples standing in Moche city are the most prominent examples of Moche architecture. They built many pyramid-shaped temples with multiple platforms connected by ramps.
Their art and architecture tell us most about the culture and history of the Mochica civilization because they did not create a writing system to record events and beliefs.