Changing Complexity in the Norte Chico, 3000–1800 cal BCE

Chapter 5 discusses the Late Archaic (ca. 3420–1830 cal BC/5370–3780 cal BP) in the Norte Chico, a section of the Peruvian coast north of Lima, Peru. The Late Archaic was the first period of widespread monumental centers on the Peruvian coast and the Norte Chico was the first center of florescence. At these sites, domesticated plants provided the carbohydrates in the Norte Chico diet, while fish and probably mollusks provided the animal protein. The authors focus on the emergence of ideological and economic power in the Late Archaic Norte Chico.