New Civilization

Back in July we had a discussion about the development of civilizations.

Last night I saw a National Geographic Channel show about the oldest Peruvian city Caral.

This city developed with no signs of military defenses and no grain production in the surrounding valley. Both of these ingredients were thought to be required for the development of civilization. It was based on surplus of dry fish (possibly) and an extensive trade network.

Although the site in general was known even to modern scientists as early as 1905, no one actually knew it was city until 1994. That's right, in 1994 a lost city was found! The last decade of the 20th century and we are still finding lost civilizations! Wow!

It also has one of the largest pyramids in the world and looks a whole lot like Afghanistan.

The other interesting thing about this is the scientists involved were from the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos in Lima, University of Northern Illinois and the Field Museum of Chicago.