Long before the powerful Inca empire appeared, South
America was home to mysterious civilizations known as the Moche,
Paracas, and Nazcas. Although most of the world knows little
about them, they have left us with some of the most astounding
archaeological artifacts ever created anywhere.
Their art and textile design would make the great
masters of the Renaissance bow their heads in reverence. And
their skills as architects and builders make modern-day builders
look in awe and amazement.
What they
left for the art world to gaze upon is
absolutely breathtaking! Pottery in
the shape of human faces, ornately woven
textiles, and tombs filled with gold and
other precious artifacts rival those found
in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs.
They built massive earthen
pyramids, carved strange lines and shapes
in the sand, and constructed extensive
irrigation systems. They terraced
the hillsides and mountains, and they
mined guano for fertilizer.
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