Recent findings at the archaeological site of Caral—belonging to the Norte Chico civilization—in Peru are changing our understanding of one of the oldest, most complex civilizations in the Americas. This ancient culture avoided a devastating climate catastrophe nearly 4,200 years ago. Led by renowned archaeologist Ruth Shady, a team has concluded that Caral, known for its impressive 32 monumental buildings, was abandoned due to extreme drought conditions. This study significantly challenges the historical narrative that has surrounded Caral. Instead, the exhibition reflects on the adaptability and resilience of its inhabitants as they were confronted by environmental challenges.
Caral dated to approximately the same time as some of the earliest civilizations in the Middle East and Asia. Those structures may be what allowed it to flourish for hundreds of years. New discoveries have turned these assumptions on their head. Rather than being a barbaric culture, it was really an example of a full-fledged civilization. Shady’s research indicates the massive drought was an important factor for Caral’s abandonment. Consequently, the displaced population settled in neighboring municipalities such as Vichama and Peñico.
Researchers think that the drought was an episode of a larger climatic event called the 4.2ka mega drought. It affected not only Caral but probably played a strong role in the collapse of other great civilizations, including those in Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. Shady elaborates on the severity of this drought, stating, “They left behind all this evidence so that people would not forget that the climate change was very severe, causing a crisis in Caral’s society and its civilization, and they did not want people to forget what caused it.”
The people of Vichama modified their ways of living based on their knowledge of available resources. They practiced maritime fishing on the coast and highland agriculture on the fertile slopes and valleys of the Huaura River. Peñico quickly became a flourishing center of commerce. It featured as many as 18 buildings, a mix of residential towers and colorful open-air bazaars with thriving shops and restaurants.
The Peñico architectural style is much like what we see at Caral. This remarkable likeness speaks to both the artistic creativity and cultural continuity between these two settlements. Further south, Caral was established nearly 800 years before Peñico. This timing means that Peñico most certainly pulled a lot of inspiration from its predecessor.
Even as this research deepens our historical understanding, its implications are even more relevant to the current moment and ongoing conversations about climate resilience today. Shady believes that today’s Peruvians have much to learn from their predecessors when it comes to “living in harmony with nature.” This attitude, reflected in many contemporary native practices, illuminates the ways that past traditions can guide modern movements toward sustainability and environmental justice.
Tatiana Abad, a principal researcher in the study. She insists that we need to start thinking of Caral as a high-stakes society, despite the absence of the technological trappings. She asserts, “considered that this was not a civilization, that it was an uncivilized society, but the latest research shows that neither writing nor the wheel were necessary to achieve a complex society.”
The discoveries at Caral enrich our view of pre-Columbian societies. They challenge the prevailing notion that these societies were backward and mundane. Explore how researchers are diligently revealing artifacts and structures hidden below the surface at these ancient sites. Their finds have shown a complex, innovative and resilient civilization.