Chavin

Real World Example

The Chavin culture, which thrived from around 900 to 200 BCE in present-day Peru, was one of the earliest complex societies in the Andean region. It is important because it laid the foundation for future Andean civilizations like the Moche and the Inca, influencing their art, religion, and architecture. The Chavin responded to the challenge of uniting diverse groups through shared religious practices and monumental architecture, like the Chavin de Huantar temple. Today, the Chavin influence is seen in the way societies use shared culture and religion to unite people, much like how national holidays bring communities together now. For example, celebrating cultural festivals like Thanksgiving in the U.S. helps people feel connected to their history and each other, similar to how Chavin rituals bonded their society.