Archeological evidence shows signs of human culture in Peru from as early as c.11,000 BCE. Flint tools and even ruins of ceremonial temples can be found throughout Peru dating from then, and there are signs that weaving, fishing, and horticulture began to develop there over the next 9 millennia. The first cultures with which we are more familiar were those of the Caral Supe Valley, from c. 3000BCE, and the Chavin culture, which emerged c. 900 BCE. Though the Chavin were among the first since the builders of Caral to construct monumental temples, they do not seem to have developed a significant middle class.
The Paracas culture emerged on the southern coast in around 300 BCE. They are known for their use of vicuña fibers instead of just cotton to produce fine textiles—innovations that did not reach the northern coast of Peru until centuries later. Coastal cultures such as the Moche and Nazca flourished from about 100 BCE to about 700 CE: The Moche produced impressive metalwork, as well as some of the finest pottery seen in the ancient world, while the Nazca are known for their textiles and the enigmatic Nazca lines.
These coastal cultures eventually began to decline as a result of recurring el Niño floods and droughts. In consequence, the Huari and Tiwanaku, who dwelled inland in the Andes became the predominant cultures of the region encompassing much modern-day Peru and Bolivia. They were succeeded by powerful city-states, such as Chancay, Sipan, and Cajamarca, and two empires: Chimor and Chachapoyas. Chimor, some of Chachapoyas, and countless city-states were eventually conquered by the Inca, who dominated the country until the Spanish conquest.
For a breakdown by of these cultures by era, see Cultural periods of Peru.
