Andean Civilizations (C. 3000 BCE to 1532 CE)

Two poles of Andean civilization developed, one in the highlands, the other on the arid coast. Large Preceramic settlements flourished along the coast, including Caral, an important center in 3000 BCE, governed by a powerful central authority. Major cultural traditions from Chavín de Huantar in the foothills spread over a wide area by 900 BCE. In the southern highlands, Tiwanaku, near Lake Titicaca, became a major trade and religious center after 500 CE. In northern coastal valleys, the Moche state, then Chimor, ruled over wealthy states between 500 and 1450 CE. The Inca then conquered both poles of the Andean world and created a vast empire, Tawantinsuyu, overthrown by Spanish conquistadors in the 1530s.