South America and its insight into how human societies were formed; a trek of discovery through the archeological knowledge of more than 12 seminal civilizations; the creative vision and monumental achievements of the wellsprings of human life.
EPISODE 1
South America's Lost Cradle of Civilization
The evidence for South America as one of the true wellsprings of human civilization; the diversity of early South American cultures; what the cultures shared; innovations in agriculture, architecture, handicrafts, social organization and religion.
EPISODE 2
Discovering Peru's Earliest Cities
The first cities in the Americas, dating back to 3000 B.C.; investigating the means of subsistence of coastal and inland valley cities; evidence of trade in marine and agricultural products; learning about the sites of Kotosh, El Paraiso and Caral.
EPISODE 3
South America's First People
The earliest evidence of humans in the Americas; Monte Verde and its view into ancient life.
EPISODE 4
Ceramics, Textiles, and Organized States
Observing pivotal changes in northern Peruvian societies; architectural styles; a state identity.
EPISODE 5
Chavín and the Rise of Religious Authority
How the site of Chavin marks the emergence of religion as the focus of public art; Chavin's architecture, with images of its characteristic fanged deity; later religious iconography and artifacts suggesting that Chavin was the center of a cult.
EPISODE 6
Cupisnique to Salinar - Elite Rulers and War
The waning of Chavin's culture; new elements in the Chavin region's archeological record; encountering the Salinar culture; a settlement pattern showing no ceremonial architecture; the first elite housing; evidence of defensive citadels.
Edwin Barnhart
