Human control of water supply is of primary importance in cultural evolution. The management of water resources by the Inca and earlier cultures in Pre-Columbia Peru is an excellent example of this. About 4,200 years ago the construction of small-scale irrigation projects in Peru began to radically change the coastal societies. It encouraged social cohesion, improved the quality of life, and accelerated cultural growth. Highlands societies managed their water differently, and this played an important role in the development of cultural differences between the two groups. Although development of irrigation was slower in the highlands, in both places it led to the rise of class societies and political empires.
Product Details
Published: 01/01/1990 ISBN(s): 0898675561 Number of Pages: 8File Size: 1 file , 380 KB