In addition to their architecture, pre-Columbian civilizations were distinguished by their artistic and technological creations. Copán, in Honduras, is famous for its finely crafted sculptures and steles, which tell the story of major historical events and glorify local leaders. The Andean cities, for their part, demonstrate an equally developed artistic sense, notably through the textiles linkedin data of the Paracas or the ceramics of the Nazcas. The latter are also known for their geoglyphs, traced in the arid soil of the Peruvian desert. These giant drawings, representing animal or geometric figures, remain an enigma and continue to fascinate.
Technologically, the Incas are distinguished by their agricultural and hydraulic developments, including the Moray terraces and the irrigation canals in the Sacred Valley of Peru. For their part, the Mayans were masters in water management, as evidenced by the underground reservoirs and canals found at Tikal in Guatemala. These advances reflect a detailed understanding of ecosystems and a remarkable capacity for innovation.
Timeless Mysteries and Puzzles
Despite advances in research, many pre-Columbian sites remain shrouded in mystery, fueling theories and questions. The Nazca geoglyphs, visible only from the sky, continue to give rise to hypotheses about their function: astronomical observatories, ritual paths or offerings to the gods? In Colombia, the Ciudad Perdida, hidden in the heart of the jungle, intrigues with its isolation and the wealth of its archaeological remains. In Ecuador, the site of Ingapirca, with its Inca walls and precise alignments, raises questions about its exact use and the exchanges between different Andean cultures.