The Early Horizon, 800 bc–1 ad

Chavín de Huántar, the type site of the Chavin archaeological culture, stands out as a monumental ceremonial complex that exerted profound influence across Peru during the Early Horizon (800 BC–1 AD). This study highlights its unique sculptural art, which idealized natural phenomena—particularly animals—transforming them into supernatural beings without clear precedents or descendants. The research reveals how the Mosna River was artificially diverted to expand the ceremonial center's plazas and structures, demonstrating advanced engineering for urban planning. Chavín culture's legacy persisted long after its abandonment, shaping Peru's cultural landscape for centuries.

Quilter, J. (2022). The Early Horizon, 800 bc–1 ad. The Ancient Central Andes, 140–169. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003038252-6