The unusual topography and environment of the Andean region presented unprecedented challenges to human occupation, and yet gave rise to a succession of spectacular civilizations. In this series of richly illustrated lectures, we explore 2,500 years of Andean cultural history. Beginning with Caral, the first city of Ancient America, we look successively at the intriguing shamanistic Chavin culture, and then Paracas, famous for its elaborate textiles used for mummy bundles, and Nazca, with its unprecedented earth-lines or geomorphs. The class will then focus on the extraordinary art and iconography of the Moche, featuring the richest tomb ever excavated in the Americas. Final sessions focus on the highland empires of the Tiwanaku and Huari; the extraordinary craft work of the Sican and Chimu cultures of northern Peru; and the renowned Inca (or Inka) culture on the eve of the Spanish invasion, as seen in such sites as Cusco, Pisac, and, of course, Machu Picchu.
910.851.01 via Zoom
Dates: Monday, Oct. 19 to Nov. 23; 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $210 (6 sessions)
JHU full-time faculty/staff are eligible for 80% remission; spouse for 50%. You will be unable to register online and receive the discount. Contact bhebron@jhu.edu for more details.