New research led by Jacob Bongers, a digital archaeologist at the University of Sydney, reveals that seabird guano, rich in nutrients, was pivotal in the rise of the Chincha Kingdom in ancient Peru. The study, published in PLOS One, highlights how guano enhanced maize production, fuelling economic and sociopolitical expansion before the Inca Empire's dominance.
The research analysed biochemical signatures in 35 maize samples from the Chincha Valley, indicating high nitrogen levels due to guano fertilisation. This fertiliser, harvested from the Chincha Islands, allowed the Chincha people to thrive in one of the driest regions on Earth. "Seabird guano may seem trivial, yet our study suggests this potent resource could have significantly contributed to sociopolitical and economic change in the Peruvian Andes," Bongers stated.
The surplus maize production supported a complex society of merchants, farmers, and fisherfolk, establishing the Chincha as major coastal traders. The Chincha's maritime expertise and access to guano reframed their strategic importance, fostering alliances with the Inca Empire, which valued maize for ceremonial purposes.
Dr Jo Osborn from Texas A&M University noted, "The true power of the Chincha wasn't just access to a resource; it was their mastery of a complex ecological system." This research invites a re-evaluation of wealth in the ancient Andes, suggesting ecological wisdom was as crucial as material riches. The findings build on Bongers' previous work on the Band of Holes, proposing it as an ancient marketplace
This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.
