Ancient History -- Wari Civilization

The Wari Civilization flourished in the coastal and highland areas of ancient Peru. Live between 450 and 1000 CE. Based at their capital Huari.

They successfully exploited the diverse landscapes they controlled to construct an empire administered by provincial capitals connected by a large road network. Their methods of maintaining an empire and artistic style would have a significant influence on the Inca Civilization.

The militaristic Wari were also gifted agriculturalists and they built canals to irrigate terraced fields.The economic benefits, and distinct artistic imagery to forge an empire across ancient Peru.Their superior management of the land also helped them resist the 30-year drought period which during the end of the 6th century contributed to the decline of the neighbouring Nazca and Moche civilizations.

The Wari canal on the mountain (left)

The Wari canals in the Huair (left)

The Wari were undoubtedly influenced by contemporary cultures, for example, appropriating the Chavin deity -- a god closely associated with the sun, rain, and maize. All so vital to cultures dependent on agriculture and the whims of an unreliable climate,they transformed it into a ritual icon present on textiles and pottery, spreading their own branded iconography and leaving a lasting legacy in Andean art.

Information from : Google and Ancient History Encyclopedia