The Chimu were an Andean civilization in South America. The kingdom of Chimor was one of the largest states to control the coast of Peru, extending some 1,000 km. Chimu settlements arose in many areas where Moche settlements had once existed in the Moche Valley.
The Chimu capital was at Chan Chan, and flourished around 900-1470 AD. By 1400 AD, Chan Chan was the largest city ever built in the Central Andes. It contained royal compounds and networks of individual housing units that held great artisans. Sea and maritime iconography by artisans was very prominent. Tombs in Chan Chan have revealed fine pottery, textiles, carved wood, metal artifacts and Spondylus shells. Irrigation networks were created...including an "inter-valley" canal to help with farm/food production.
Several conquests expanded the expanse of the Chimor territory. Around 1150-1200 AD, the Chimu founded Farfan in Jequetepeque. Around 1300 AD, the Chimor had expanded as far north as Tumbes and occupied the mines in the La Leche valley. The Chimu empire was supported by efficient colonial policies and a strong communication network. It has been estimated that the population was around 80,000. |
