The urban concept of Chan Chan

Kolata, Alan L.

essay

The urban concept of Chan Chan

northern dynasties : kingship and statecraft in chimor: a symposium at dumbarton oaks, 12th and 13th october 1985 • Washington, D.C. • Published In 1990 • Pages: 107-144

By: Kolata, Alan L..

Abstract
The author examines the forces that underlay the changes in urban architecture of Chan Chan. Maps of the phases of urban growth are provided. Emphasis is given to structures with political and economic functions including [i]ciudadelas[/i], annexes, burial platforms, intermediate architecture, [i]audiencias[/i], storage areas, and canals. Earlier [i]ciudadelas[/i] were the home of more than one king. Expansion of the intermediate architecture and changes in the [i]ciudadelas[/i] occurred after the canals became inoperable due to tectonic uplift and damage from a major El Niño event. Some walk-in wells were deeper than fifteen meters. Sunken gardens are covered, although fewer details are known about them. They were a primary method of farming after the canals became inoperable. The lower water table also required the city to build closer to the ocean and existing architecture had to be razed to permit construction of [i]ciudadelas[/i] Tschudi and Rivero. The architectural changes are also correlated with imperial expansion and annexation of the Lambayeque Valley. Other changes can be seen to have occurred because of military expansion (northern conquests) after El Niño induced flooding, increased status of the king in relation to the rest of the ruling elite, and expansion of the ruling elite.

HRAF PubDate

2015

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