Lost Worlds of South America

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.

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.

The earliest evidence of humans in the Americas; Monte Verde and its view into ancient life.

Observing pivotal changes in northern Peruvian societies; architectural styles; a state identity.

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.

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.