Chavin Political Structure
Below is a picture of a sculpture of a Chavin shaman-king, the most influential individual in the entirety of Chavin civilization during his rule.
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Unlike the Olmec, the Chavin had strong class distinction. The main elements of administration were local chiefs, though. This decentralized Chavin rule. Despite this, the tribes developed powerful military tactics and stronger tribes conquered weaker ones.
Like the Olmec, Chavin government was heavily based on religion. Shamans were heads of society, ranking near kings and royalty. Shamans ruled by a method known as strategic manipulation. They held religious festivals and proclaimed divine authority, deeming themselves as great rulers and supreme beings. This sort of supernatural appeal kept shaman rule strong for years to come.
The capital of this empire was Chavin de Huantar, a city built at a crossroads between trade routes. Like the Olmec government, the Chavin government had an elite class consisting of priests, administrators, and wealthy traders. In other locations in the world, India being an exception, merchants were looked down upon. However, in Chavin culture, traders and merchants were some of the most successful people in society.
The Chavin culture spread around the northern Andes, but warfare was abandoned. they Chavin way of influencing other peoples was by religion. When the other tribes surrounding Chavin core areas started building religious centers, they were lacking one thing- a true religion. Ironic as it sounds, it was true. Chavin religion seemed very tempting to adopt, and hence the Chavin culture expanded greatly.
Like the Olmec, Chavin government was heavily based on religion. Shamans were heads of society, ranking near kings and royalty. Shamans ruled by a method known as strategic manipulation. They held religious festivals and proclaimed divine authority, deeming themselves as great rulers and supreme beings. This sort of supernatural appeal kept shaman rule strong for years to come.
The capital of this empire was Chavin de Huantar, a city built at a crossroads between trade routes. Like the Olmec government, the Chavin government had an elite class consisting of priests, administrators, and wealthy traders. In other locations in the world, India being an exception, merchants were looked down upon. However, in Chavin culture, traders and merchants were some of the most successful people in society.
The Chavin culture spread around the northern Andes, but warfare was abandoned. they Chavin way of influencing other peoples was by religion. When the other tribes surrounding Chavin core areas started building religious centers, they were lacking one thing- a true religion. Ironic as it sounds, it was true. Chavin religion seemed very tempting to adopt, and hence the Chavin culture expanded greatly.