Tiwanacu

Lake Titicaca, Bolivia is home to remains of the pre-Columbian Civilization of Tiwanacu. Tiwanacu, prior to the Inka empire, dominated east and southern Bolivia, northwestern Argentina, northern Chile and southern Peru. Previous conceptions of Tiwanacu were it being the place of religious ceremonies yet in the 20^th century it was finally discovered as a civilization or metropolis. The civilization shows origins from 200 BC-AD 200, yet some growth of major buildings occurred from AD 600- 1000.

The Tiwanacu civilization shows an efficient agricultural system known as the raised field systems. The system allowed for the maintenance of crops during Bolivia’s cold nights. This was done through the use of canals that retained the heat of the sunlight. Within the heat retaining canals, algae and aquatic plants were added to organically fertilize the fields.  Despite Tiwanacu not solely being a religious center, there are plentiful monuments that demonstrate the beliefs of the Tiwanacu people. Large stone sculptures represent the Tiwanaku rulers, priest, and even the first race of giants, from which pan-Andean mythology believed the human race originates. The photograph posted is Ponce Monolith which has elements of that explained the worshipped creator god Viracocha, due to the staff, , mask like face, and tunic kilt and belt. . 

All in all, the remains of Tiwanacu are not only significant for the understanding of Bolivian origins but also it opens up the understanding of the influential elements of the widespread Andean cultures and the predecessors of the Titicaca basin, who include the notable Chavin.

Works Cited

Cartwright, Mark. “Tiwanaku.” Ancient History Encyclopedia. Ancient History Encyclopedia, February 7, 2021. https://www.ancient.eu/Tiwanaku/. 

Centre, UNESCO World Heritage. UNESCO World Heritage Centre – Document. Accessed February 10, 2021. https://whc.unesco.org/en/documents/. 

“Tiwanaku.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. Accessed February 10, 2021. https://www.britannica.com/place/Tiwanaku.