Territorial expansion and the kingdom of Chimor

Topic, Theresa Lange

essay

Territorial expansion and the kingdom of Chimor

northern dynasties : kingship and statecraft in chimor: a symposium at dumbarton oaks, 12th and 13th october 1985 • Washington, D.C. • Published In 1990 • Pages: 177-194

By: Topic, Theresa Lange.

Abstract
Early seventeenth century ethnohistoric accounts of the Chimu and Inka are compared to archaeological survey data for fortifications in several valleys, including location, date of construction and length of occupation, artifacts such as weapon stock piles and ceramics, and other evidence for military activities. Written sources offer complementary information on how the Chimu viewed their political and social landscape, a cursory outline of military history, and the importance of militarism in Chimu society. The Chimu appear to have been more aggressive than other north coast groups, with military action more important than alliances in a territorial expansion featuring three major stages of conquest. Although the nobility of new groups was incorporated into the bureaucracy and political and military administrations, they still appear to have been classed as outsiders. The Chimu seem to only have been interested in territorial control of the coast, although they did control transportation routes leading into the sierra.

Traditional history

Military installations

Instigation of war

Warfare

Administrative agencies

Classes

Ethnic stratification

HRAF PubDate