Chimu

Chimu was a pre-Columbian culture that existed in the coastal regions of what is now Peru from the 12th to the 15th century. The name Chimu is derived from the Moche language and means "seafaring" people. The Chimu culture was a highly urbanized and organized society that developed a sophisticated system of government, agriculture, and trade.

The Chimu civilization emerged around 900 AD and was centered in the valley of Chao, near modern-day Trujillo in northern Peru. At its peak, the Chimu Empire covered a vast territory of over 400,000 square kilometers, stretching from Ecuador in the north to central Peru in the south. The Chimu economy was based on fishing, agriculture, and trade, with a complex system of roads and canals that connected the empire.

The Chimu were known for their expertise in metalworking, particularly in the use of gold, copper, and bronze. They also developed a distinctive style of ceramics and textiles that were highly valued throughout the region. However, the Chimu civilization ultimately declined due to a combination of factors, including the rise of the Inca Empire, diseases introduced by European colonizers, and devastating floods that damaged their cities and crops.

In 1470, the Chimu Empire was conquered by the Inca Empire under the rule of Tupac Yupanqui. The Chimu people were gradually assimilated into the Inca culture, and their language, customs, and traditions were incorporated into the imperial language and institutions. Today, the ruins of the Chimu civilization remain as a testament to the complexity and sophistication of this ancient culture.