The Norte Chico civilization, also known as the Caral-Supe civilization, was one of the ancient cultures that emerged in the coastal regions of what is now Peru. It is recognized as one of the oldest complex societies in the Americas and existed during the Late Archaic period, roughly between 3500 BCE and 1800 BCE. The Norte Chico civilization predates the better-known civilizations of Mesoamerica and the Andes.

Key features and characteristics of the Norte Chico civilization:

1. Geographical Location:
   • The civilization was centered along the coast of northern Peru, particularly in the Supe, Huaura, Fortaleza, and Pativilca river valleys.
2. City Centers:
   • The most prominent archaeological sites associated with the Norte Chico civilization are the city centers of Caral, Supe, and several others. Caral is often considered the oldest city in the Americas.
3. Early Complexity:
   • Norte Chico is notable for its early complexity and urban planning. The city centers consisted of architectural features such as pyramids, plazas, and residential areas.
4. Agriculture:
   • The civilization relied on agriculture, and evidence suggests the cultivation of cotton, beans, squash, and other crops. The region’s coastal location provided access to marine resources.
5. Irrigation Systems:
   • The Norte Chico people developed sophisticated irrigation systems to manage water resources for agricultural purposes. Canals and channels have been discovered at various sites.
6. Monumental Architecture:
   • The civilization is known for its monumental architecture, including large platform mounds and pyramids. The pyramids were likely used for religious or ceremonial purposes.
7. Ceremonial Plazas:
   • City centers featured large ceremonial plazas surrounded by structures, suggesting the presence of communal or ritual activities.
8. Quipu Use:
   • While no written language has been identified, some researchers believe that the Norte Chico people used quipus, a system of knotted cords, for record-keeping and communication.
9. Social Organization:
   • The social organization of the Norte Chico civilization is not fully understood, but it is believed to have had a hierarchical structure with elites who managed resources and directed construction projects.
10. Trade and Contacts:
    • The Norte Chico civilization likely engaged in trade with neighboring regions. Evidence suggests contact with other cultural groups, including those in the Andes.
11. Decline:
    • The reasons for the decline of the Norte Chico civilization are not clear. Environmental factors, changes in water availability, or shifts in socio-political dynamics may have played a role.
12. Archaeological Discovery:
    • The recognition of the Norte Chico civilization as a distinct cultural entity came in the 21st century with archaeological discoveries and research.

The Norte Chico civilization’s early complexity challenges previous assumptions about the development of complex societies in the Americas. The archaeological findings at sites like Caral contribute to a better understanding of the diverse cultural trajectories that shaped ancient American civilizations.