essay

The Middle Horizon in northern Peru

huari administrative structure : prehistoric monumental architecture and state government • Washington, D.C. • Published In 1991 • Pages: 233-246

By: Topic, Theresa Lange.

Abstract

In this paper, Topic examines the evidence for and against Huari military expansion in the Middle Horizon Period, focusing on northern Peru. She first reviews the military conquest model in the literature. She then examines five north Peruvian sites, Pampa Grande, Cajamarca, Pacathamu, Galindo and Marca Haumachuco; and four sites in the Otuzco area between Marca Huamachuco and Galindo. She examines the nature of inter-site relationships and of Huari presence in the region. She concludes that there is no hard evidence for expansion by conquest. The evidence of Huari presence in the Humachuco area is strongest at two sites, Cerro Amaru and Viracochapampa. The latter is a Huari-planned complex straddling a major north-south route. This suggests to Topic that Huari influence in the area was limited to the control and service of traffic in elite trade goods, and not territory. Huari presence in the region may have stimulated alliances among northern polities, especially between those in the highlands and on the coast.

HRAF PubDate

2003

Region

South America

Sub Region

Central Andes

Document Type

essay

Evaluation

Creator Type

Archaeologist

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

Analyst

Sarah Berry ; 2002

Field Date

1977- 1978, 1981-1984, 1986-1989

Coverage Date

After 600 (Middle Horizon)

Coverage Place

Huamachuco area, northern Peru

Notes

Theresa Lange Topic

Includes bibliographical references (p. 233-246)

LCCN

89023354

LCSH

Indians of South America--Antiquities--Peru