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As one of only six places on earth where civilization arose spontaneously, South America offers insight into how human societies formed. Go on a trek of discovery through the archaeological knowledge of more than 12 seminal civilizations, and gain rich insight into the creative vision and monumental achievements of these wellsprings of human life.

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Episodes

1. South America's Lost Cradle of Civilization

30m

Consider the remarkable evidence for South America as one of the true wellsprings of human civilization. Grasp the diversity of early South American cultures, from the Andean civilizations to the desert and Amazon regions; what these cultures shared; and their extraordinary innovations in agriculture, architecture, handcrafts, social organization, and religion.

2. Discovering Peru's Earliest Cities

30m

The first cities in the Americas date to 3000 B.C. Investigate the means of subsistence of coastal and inland valley cities, and evidence for trade in marine and agricultural products. Learn about the sites of Kotosh, El Paraiso, and Caral and their striking features of architecture, including plazas, pyramids, and solar observatories.

3. South America's First People

30m

The earliest evidence of humans in the Americas comes not from North America, but from Chile. Investigate the important Monte Verde site and its view into everyday life 15,000 years ago. Learn also about 'Quilcas' cave art, the astonishing Chinchorro mummies (predating Egypt's), and evidence of early agriculture and trade at Huaca Prieta.

4. Ceramics, Textiles, and Organized States

30m

Observe pivotal changes in northern Peruvian societies in 1800-900 B.C., such as the architectural styles of the southern and northern valleys, which indicate the rise of a state identity. Note the area's earliest evidence of metallurgy and weaving, and stone sculptures reflecting the first warlike violence seen in South America.

5. Chavín and the Rise of Religious Authority

30m

The Peruvian site of Chavín marks the emergence of religion as the focus of public art. Study Chavín's distinctive architecture, with images of its characteristic 'fanged deity.' Learn about later religious iconography and artifacts at Chavín suggesting that it was the center of a cult that spread to other sites in the region.

6. Cupisnique to Salinar - Elite Rulers and War

30m

With the waning of Chavín's culture, striking new elements appear in the region's archaeological record. Here, encounter the Salinar culture, a new settlement pattern showing no ceremonial architecture and the first 'elite' housing. Examine the evidence of defensive citadels and what may have triggered warfare and emerging social hierarchy.

7. Paracas - Mummies, Shamans, and Severed Heads

30m

Investigate the fascinating Paracas tombs of the 1st millennium B.C., which contain richly adorned mummies, and grasp the significance of mummification. Study the elaborate iconography of Paracas textiles, the meaning of the supernatural beings they depict, and the practice of head hunting as a means to control the spirits of the dead.

8. The Nazca Lines and Underground Channels

30m

The Nazca are yet another South American people of striking accomplishments. Learn about their remarkable irrigation system of underground aquifers, aqueducts, and wells, and their fine polychrome pottery and textiles. Penetrate the mystery of the 'Nazca Lines,' massive geoglyphs scratched into the earth, which may be the result of ritual pilgrimage.

9. The Moche - Pyramids, Gold, and Warriors

30m

In the first of three episodes on the Andean Moche culture, chart this civilization's outstanding features. Discover the immense pyramids, adorned with brilliant color murals, road systems, and sophisticated art. Examine the evidence of extensive warfare, both in the art and in excavated weaponry and sacrificial victims.

10. The Moche - Richest Tombs in the New World

30m

The Moche tombs offer compelling evidence of the culture's social structure and cosmology. Investigate the sumptuous contents of the three principal tombs of Sipan: the enigmatic buried figures and dazzling costumes, jewelry, and surrounding objects. Contemplate who these buried people might have been, with relation to imagery in Moche art.

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SeriesGreat Courses

Closed CaptionsEnglish

Artists

Edwin BarnhartActor

Lost Worlds of South America

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