Chavin Economy
Below is a map depicting Chavin trade routes. These extensive roads were what gave the Chavin their great power.
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The largest source of Chavin power was their extensive trade and the economic strength that was a result of it. Trade routes were constructed throughout the entirety of the Northern Andes, and sometimes reached even farther. This allowed for the Chavin to influence neighboring societies and interact with contemporary "superpowers" such as the Olmec. These trade routes would later be employed by the Inca, a possible descendant of the Chavin.
Despite the trading and commerce, the main economic activity during the Chavin period was, like pretty much all other civilizations around the world, agriculture. Just like the Mesopotamians, the Chavin constructed large irrigation systems to make the usually rugged terrain more fertile. Chavin farmers mastered the latter and raised livestock as well. One popular animal was the llama. Not only was the llama valued for its fur and milk, but it was the main source of transportation throughout the inhospitable, mountainous Andes where most of the trading took place. The llama definitely influenced Chavin economy to a great extent.
The Chavin, due to their relative proximity to a large source of water, took up fishing as a staple part of economic activity, as well. This also contributed to their powerful economic tradition.
When all is taken into account, the Chavin were arguably the strongest economic power of their world, which was perhaps their greatest success. Persia, too would build trade routes throughout its empire, but the Chavin did so centuries before that idea was even conceived. When you combine this with their usage of llamas, it is safe to say that the Chavin were way ahead of their time, at least in regards to commerce and trade. Although the civilization collapsed, Chavin legacy prevailed in the Inca empire and future nations to come.
Despite the trading and commerce, the main economic activity during the Chavin period was, like pretty much all other civilizations around the world, agriculture. Just like the Mesopotamians, the Chavin constructed large irrigation systems to make the usually rugged terrain more fertile. Chavin farmers mastered the latter and raised livestock as well. One popular animal was the llama. Not only was the llama valued for its fur and milk, but it was the main source of transportation throughout the inhospitable, mountainous Andes where most of the trading took place. The llama definitely influenced Chavin economy to a great extent.
The Chavin, due to their relative proximity to a large source of water, took up fishing as a staple part of economic activity, as well. This also contributed to their powerful economic tradition.
When all is taken into account, the Chavin were arguably the strongest economic power of their world, which was perhaps their greatest success. Persia, too would build trade routes throughout its empire, but the Chavin did so centuries before that idea was even conceived. When you combine this with their usage of llamas, it is safe to say that the Chavin were way ahead of their time, at least in regards to commerce and trade. Although the civilization collapsed, Chavin legacy prevailed in the Inca empire and future nations to come.