The Ancient Americas

Featured Cultures

Peruvian Andes – Middle Period
Once adjusted to the altitude, Asana's population grew. To feed extra people, these hunter-gatherers hunted more animals. They also created a place for community activities, which helped unite their growing numbers.

At one point, life at Asana was interrupted by a severe drought lasting more than 1,000 years. Most everyone abandoned the site during this time period. But people eventually returned to Asana full time and built large homes to house multiple generations. An active ritual life also developed that strengthened community ties.

Life from 6700 BC to 4900 BC

	People transformed the site into a regional base for hunting and gathering. Extended families lived at Asana year-round in a settlement of multiple houses.
	Inhabitants built a large community gathering place and created shared rituals and activities. All were innovations that cemented relationships among permanent neighbors in the community.

Life from 4900 BC to 3800 BC

During a drought, people largely abandoned the site of Asana, returning only for brief stays.

Life from 3800 BC to 3100 BC

	At least five large households called Asana home full-time. People used smaller land areas and hunting territories. To get enough food, they gathered more local plants and created special areas in their houses to grind and cook them.
	Women and children probably contributed most of the calories a family ate through the plant foods they gathered and prepared.
	Asana's people strengthened community ties by conducting gatherings in a special ceremonial area.

Continue to Peruvian Andes – Late Period. >>