Discovering ancient civilizations that flourished in the Americas pre-colonialism with the help of Ai. Using prompts with descriptions from actual archeological finds describing wardrobe and culture, I wanted to create visuals that may spark a conversation about the enduring legacy of these remarkable societies and the importance of preserving and celebrating their cultural heritage. I aim for utilizing ai as a tool for story telling and not just as a primary medium. In this page entitled "Empires of the Sun and the Moon" I wanted to create a visual historical guide to native empires of pre colonial Americas as a way to show the educational benefits of ai created visuals with accurate historical and scientific driven prompts.

- Tony Altamirano

Inti, god of the golden sun,

Father of the Inca, the chosen one,

With warmth and light, you bless the land,

And watch over the crops by hand.

The Norte Chico civilization was a pre-Columbian civilization that flourished in what is now Peru from around 3500 BCE to 1800 BCE. Since little is known about their culture, it is difficult to accurately describe the appearance of a Norte Chico man. However, based on archaeological evidence, it is believed that they were a coastal people who lived in small villages and subsisted on fishing, farming, and trading. They likely wore simple clothing made from woven materials and used shells, stones, and other natural resources as adornments.

The Clovis culture, named after the town in New Mexico where their distinct stone tools were first discovered, emerged approximately 13,000 years ago and is one of the earliest known prehistoric cultures in the Americas. Known for their impressive hunting abilities, the Clovis people were skilled at hunting large game, such as mammoths and bison, with their distinctive fluted spear points. Their advanced tool-making techniques and widespread trading networks demonstrate a level of sophistication and resourcefulness that is truly impressive for a culture that emerged during the last Ice Age. The Clovis culture's lasting impact on the history and development of North America can still be seen today through their technological innovations and the way they adapted to and shaped their environment.

The Olmecs were one of the earliest Mesoamerican civilizations and are often considered the "mother civilization" of later regional societies such as the Maya and the Aztecs. They were also known for their impressive and highly realistic art style, which featured large stone heads carved from basalt rock. These heads are believed to depict Olmec rulers or important figures and are some of the largest and most impressive sculptures from ancient Mesoamerica.

The Olmec religion was polytheistic and animistic, meaning that they worshipped multiple gods and believed that spirits were present in all living and non-living things. The Olmec deities were associated with natural forces such as water, mountains, and sky, as well as agricultural fertility and human fertility. One of the most important Olmec gods was the Feathered Serpent, who was associated with water, creation, and renewal. The Olmec also practiced bloodletting rituals, where they would draw blood from themselves or others as offerings to the gods. Archeological evidence suggests that the Olmec built religious structures and altars, and that they may have performed human sacrifices as well. However, much of the Olmec religion remains shrouded in mystery due to the lack of written records.

The Zapotec civilization emerged around 500 BCE and continued to exist until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. They primarily inhabited the Oaxaca Valley and surrounding areas in what is now modern-day Mexico. The Zapotec people still live in this region today.

Zapotecan women of power, such as priestesses and rulers, would wear intricate and finely crafted garments made from high-quality cotton or silk. They would adorn themselves with precious stones, gold, and feathers, and often wear headdresses and necklaces that symbolized their social status and authority. These garments would be decorated with intricate embroidery and woven patterns, displaying their wealth and skill. Additionally, Zapotecan women of power would often have tattoos or body paint, adding to their adornment and further displaying their status.

The Chavin culture was an ancient civilization that thrived in the Andean highlands of modern-day Peru from around 900 BCE to 200 BCE. They were known for their impressive art and architecture, particularly their stone carvings and elaborate underground temples. The Chavin people also had a complex religion, with worship centered around a feline deity and the use of hallucinogenic drugs in their rituals. They were skilled farmers and traders, and their influence spread throughout the region through a network of trade routes. The Chavin culture is considered to be one of the earliest and most influential civilizations in South America.

It is believed that the Chavin wore clothing made from cotton, wool, and animal hides, which were likely decorated with colorful patterns and symbols. They also adorned themselves with jewelry made from gold, silver, and precious stones, such as turquoise and lapis lazuli. The Chavín people were known for their sophisticated textiles, and many of their fabrics were used for religious and ceremonial purposes.

The presence of female figurines and representations of goddesses in Chavin artwork suggests that women may have held religious significance. It is also possible that women participated in agricultural work, as farming was a crucial aspect of Chavin life. However, the specific roles and responsibilities of women in Chavin society remain the subject of ongoing research and interpretation.

In the Maya civilization, high priests were important religious leaders who held significant political power. They were responsible for communicating with the gods through rituals and ceremonies and interpreting the messages received from the divine. They were also involved in the calculation of the calendar and astronomy, which was essential for religious ceremonies and predicting important agricultural events. In addition to their religious duties, high priests were often advisors to Maya rulers, providing guidance on matters of state and diplomacy. They were highly respected members of society, and their influence extended beyond the religious sphere.

The beginnings of the Teotihuacan civilization are shrouded in mystery, as very little is known about their origins. It is believed that the city was founded around 200 BCE, and by 500 CE it had become one of the largest and most influential cities in the Americas, with a population of over 100,000 people. Teotihuacan was located in the Basin of Mexico, about 30 miles (50 km) northeast of modern-day Mexico City.

The city was organized around a grand central avenue known as the Avenue of the Dead, which was flanked by impressive monumental architecture, including the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon, and the Temple of the Feathered Serpent. The city's layout and monumental architecture suggest that it was a highly organized and centralized state, with a powerful ruling elite.

The people of Teotihuacan are believed to have been ethnically diverse, with evidence suggesting that the city was a melting pot of different cultures and languages. The civilization had a complex and sophisticated economy, with extensive trade networks that extended across Mesoamerica. The people of Teotihuacan were skilled in agriculture, pottery, obsidian working, and other crafts.

Despite their remarkable achievements, the Teotihuacan civilization went into decline in the 7th or 8th century CE, for reasons that are still not entirely clear. The city was abandoned and gradually fell into ruin, but its influence continued to be felt throughout Mesoamerica for centuries to come.

Teotihuacan is a Mesoamerican city located in the Basin of Mexico, and it was one of the largest and most influential cities in the region from around 200 BCE to 650 CE. The role of women in early Teotihuacan society is not entirely clear due to the limited archaeological evidence available. However, some scholars suggest that women had a significant role in the religious and economic activities of the city.

One example is the discovery of figurines and murals depicting women in a religious context. It is believed that women may have played a crucial role as priestesses, who conducted rituals in Teotihuacan's religious centers.

There is also evidence to suggest that women were involved in trade and commerce. Archaeological excavations have revealed numerous workshops and markets in Teotihuacan, and it is possible that women played a role in the production and distribution of goods.

Overall, while the exact role of women in Teotihuacan society is still subject to ongoing research and debate, it is clear that they were not confined to domestic activities and played a significant part in the city's religious and economic life.

The Quechua are a native South American ethnic group primarily living in the Andes region of Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. They are known for their language, also called Quechua, which is one of the most widely spoken indigenous languages in the Americas.

The Quechua people were conquered by the Incas in the late 15th century and incorporated into the Inca Empire. After the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire in the 16th century, the Quechua continued to live in the Andean highlands, preserving many of their traditional practices and beliefs, including their agricultural and weaving techniques, as well as their spiritual beliefs and ceremonies. Today, many Quechua people still speak the Quechua language and maintain their cultural heritage, while also adapting to the modern world.

The Quechua people had a complex belief system that revolved around animism, which is the belief that everything in the world, including inanimate objects and natural phenomena, has a spirit or essence. They believed that the natural world was alive and that everything was interconnected. They also believed in a supreme creator god, Viracocha, who was responsible for the creation of the universe and all living things. Additionally, they believed in a pantheon of lesser gods who controlled various aspects of life such as agriculture, fertility, and weather. The Quechua also had a strong connection to their ancestors and believed in honoring them through rituals and offerings.

The early Maya civilization emerged in the lowlands of modern-day Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras around 2000 BCE. The Maya lived in agricultural communities and built impressive cities and temples, and were known for their advanced writing, art, and mathematical systems.

The early Maya civilization was characterized by a number of distinct cultural traits, including the use of a hierarchical political system, a complex calendar system, and the development of a fully developed writing system called hieroglyphics. They also engaged in a range of economic activities, including farming, trading, and craft production.

The early Maya civilization experienced a period of decline around 900 CE, and many of its cities were abandoned or destroyed. However, the Maya people continue to live in the region to this day, and their cultural traditions and practices continue to influence contemporary life in Mesoamerica.

In ancient Maya society, girls were valued members of their families and communities. Like boys, they were taught practical skills like cooking, weaving, and farming. Girls were also trained in social and religious customs, such as how to make offerings to the gods and participate in ceremonies. Some girls may have received specialized education in fields like astronomy, calendrics, or healing.

At the onset of puberty, girls participated in a coming-of-age ceremony that marked their transition into adulthood. During this ceremony, their hair was cut short, and they were given new clothing and jewelry to signify their new status. After the ceremony, girls were considered eligible for marriage.

Marriage for young Mayan girls was often arranged by their parents or other family members. Marriage was an important social and economic institution in Maya society, and the bride's family was expected to provide a dowry to the groom's family. Once married, a woman's primary role was to bear children and care for her family. However, women also played important roles as priestesses, weavers, and traders in Maya society.

The rise of the Maya civilization is believed to have begun around 2000 BC in the area that is now modern-day Guatemala, Belize, and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. The early Maya were agriculturalists who relied heavily on maize cultivation, but they also hunted, fished, and gathered wild foods.

As the Maya population grew, they began to establish more complex societies with centralized political systems and social hierarchies. By 600 BC, the Maya were constructing large, permanent settlements and developing a system of writing.

Over the next few centuries, the Maya civilization flourished, with a number of powerful city-states emerging throughout the region. These city-states engaged in trade and diplomacy with each other, and their rulers competed for power and prestige. The Maya also made significant advancements in mathematics, astronomy, and art.

Around 800 AD, the Maya civilization went through a period of decline, with many of the large city-states being abandoned or conquered by neighboring peoples. Despite this, the Maya continued to survive and adapt, and their descendants still inhabit the region today.

In ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, the king or ruler was considered to have divine or semi-divine status and was treated accordingly. They were considered to be the representative of the gods on earth, responsible for the well-being of their people and the maintenance of the world order. As such, they were often surrounded by a court of nobles and advisors who assisted them in their duties.

The king was often the center of religious ceremonies and rituals, and was responsible for making offerings to the gods in order to maintain their favor. They were also responsible for leading their people in times of war, and were expected to be brave and skilled warriors.

In terms of daily life, the king would often have a luxurious lifestyle with access to the finest food, clothing, and accommodations. They would also have multiple wives and concubines, with their offspring being considered to be of royal blood and potentially eligible for the throne. The king's death would often lead to a period of political upheaval as various contenders vied for the throne.

The Nazca civilization, which existed in what is now Peru from around 100 BCE to 800 CE, had a complex and elaborate belief system that was closely tied to their religious practices. They believed in a variety of deities and spirits, both male and female, who were thought to control various aspects of nature and human life. The Nazca people also believed in an afterlife, where they would be judged according to their deeds in life.

The Nazca also believed in the importance of water and the power it held, as it was necessary for agriculture and sustenance in their desert environment. This led to the construction of a complex system of underground aqueducts and canals to transport water across the Nazca region. Additionally, the Nazca people were known for their sophisticated astronomical knowledge, as evidenced by their creation of the famous Nazca Lines, large geoglyphs in the desert that were aligned with the movements of the sun, moon, and stars. Overall, the Nazca believed in the interconnectedness of all things in nature and the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship with the natural world.

The Nazca culture, known for their famous Nazca Lines, was also known for their skilled warriors. Nazca warriors typically wore a tunic made from cotton or other plant fibers, which could be dyed with natural dyes to create intricate patterns. They also wore a kind of padded armor called a 'cuirass', made from cotton batting or reeds, which provided protection for the chest and back. Their helmets were often made from wood or cane and decorated with feathers, and their shields were made from wood, hide or wicker. The warriors were armed with weapons such as spears, clubs, and slings, and they were known for their fierce and skilled fighting abilities.

The Hohokam civilization was an ancient culture that lived in what is now the American Southwest, particularly in the present-day states of Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. They are known for their impressive irrigation systems, which allowed them to thrive in the arid desert environment.

Hohokam society was organized into small communities that were connected through trade networks. They lived in multi-roomed pit houses made of adobe, which were often arranged around a central plaza. Agriculture was a central aspect of their economy, and they grew crops such as maize, beans, squash, and cotton.

The Hohokam are also known for their beautiful pottery, which featured intricate designs and striking colors. They were skilled artisans and created many different types of objects, including jewelry, baskets, and stone tools.

Religion played an important role in Hohokam society, and they had a complex belief system that included a variety of deities and supernatural beings. They built large platform mounds and ballcourts, which were used for both religious and recreational purposes.

The Hohokam civilization lasted from around 200 B.C. to around A.D. 1450, when the culture seems to have declined and disappeared. The reasons for their decline are still not fully understood, but factors such as overuse of resources, climate change, and conflicts with neighboring cultures may have played a role.

The ancient city of Cahokia, located in present-day Illinois, did not have kings in the traditional sense. Instead, it was ruled by a council of elders and a powerful chief or "Great Sun" who was chosen from among the council members.

The Great Sun was a political and religious leader who oversaw the city's affairs and was responsible for maintaining order and justice. They were often adorned with special clothing and symbols of their power, such as eagle feathers, shell necklaces, and headdresses made of animal fur and feathers.

The Great Sun was also responsible for organizing religious ceremonies and rituals, which were an important part of Cahokian life. They often wore elaborate costumes and masks during these ceremonies, which were intended to appease the gods and ensure a successful harvest or hunting season.

Overall, the role of the Great Sun in Cahokian society was to maintain stability and balance between the various factions and clans that made up the city's population, as well as to serve as a spiritual leader and intermediary between the people and the gods.

In Inca society, high priests were considered to be among the most important and powerful individuals. They were responsible for maintaining and interpreting the complex religious beliefs and practices of the Inca people. The high priests oversaw the worship of the sun, which was the most important deity in the Inca religion, and they also played a key role in ensuring that the emperor, who was seen as a semi-divine figure, was properly worshipped and venerated. High priests also performed important religious rituals and ceremonies, such as sacrifices, which were believed to be necessary to ensure the well-being of the Inca empire and its people. In addition to their religious duties, high priests were also responsible for maintaining the extensive knowledge and traditions of the Inca people, and for passing this information down to future generations.

The Chimu civilization was one of the largest empires in the Andean region of South America prior to the rise of the Inca Empire. The Chimu kingdom was ruled by a succession of powerful kings who lived in the capital city of Chan Chan. The Chimu kings were known as the "Sapa Incas" and were believed to be the descendants of the god Naymlap.

The Chimu kings held tremendous power and were the absolute rulers of their kingdom. They controlled vast territories, which were divided into provinces, and appointed governors to oversee the administration of each province. The Chimu kings were also responsible for overseeing the construction of magnificent public works, including roads, bridges, canals, and temples.

In terms of their dress, the Chimu kings wore elaborate clothing made of fine cotton and adorned with gold and silver ornaments. They also wore headdresses made of feathers, which were often adorned with precious stones. The Chimu kings were known for their extravagant lifestyles and were surrounded by a court of noble officials and advisers.

The Chimu civilization was a pre-Columbian civilization that flourished in the coastal region of northern Peru from about 900 AD until the arrival of the Inca Empire in the 15th century. The Chimu people were skilled farmers, architects, and artisans, and they built an extensive network of irrigation canals to support their agriculture.

The Chimu capital, Chan Chan, was one of the largest pre-Columbian cities in South America, covering an area of approximately 20 square kilometers. It was also the largest adobe city in the world, with impressive defensive walls, temples, and palaces.

The Chimu were known for their fine pottery, metalwork, and textiles, which were highly valued in trade with neighboring cultures. The Chimu society was divided into social classes, with the ruling elite enjoying the greatest wealth and power. The Chimu kings were absolute rulers who controlled vast territories and were responsible for overseeing the construction of public works, including roads, bridges, canals, and temples.

The Chimu civilization declined in the late 15th century due to internal strife and external pressures from neighboring cultures, including the Incas, who ultimately conquered the Chimu and incorporated their territory into the Inca Empire.

Inca kings, also known as Sapa Incas, were considered divine rulers and served as both political and religious leaders of the Inca Empire. They were believed to be direct descendants of Inti, the sun god, and held absolute power over their people.

The main responsibilities of the Inca kings were to govern and protect the empire, maintain order and justice, oversee the economy, and ensure the performance of religious rituals and ceremonies. They were also responsible for the construction of public works, such as roads, aqueducts, and buildings, and for organizing labor and military campaigns.

In addition to their political and administrative duties, Inca kings played a crucial role in religious life. They were seen as intermediaries between the people and the gods, and were responsible for ensuring that the gods were properly honored and appeased through offerings and sacrifices. The Inca kings also had their own personal staff of priests and religious advisors, who helped them to interpret the will of the gods and to carry out their religious duties.

The “Lord of Sipán” is the name given to the ruler of the Moche civilization who was buried in a lavish tomb in the archaeological site of Huaca Rajada, in northern Peru. The tomb, discovered in 1987, contained a variety of artifacts made of gold, silver, and other precious materials, as well as the remains of several human and animal sacrifices. The Lord of Sipán was likely a high-ranking warrior-priest who held significant political and religious power in the Moche society.

The Moche civilization considered the hawk as a powerful symbol of leadership, strength, and courage. The Moche people believed that the hawk was a messenger between the human world and the spiritual world, and they often depicted it in their art and iconography. The hawk was also associated with the Moche god Ai Apaec, who was depicted with a hawk's head and was considered a powerful and feared deity associated with human sacrifice. In Moche society, the priests often wore headdresses made from hawk heads or feathers, which symbolized their authority and connection to the spiritual realm.

The Tiwanaku civilization was a pre-Columbian civilization that existed in the region of Lake Titicaca, in what is now Bolivia, from about 400 AD to 1000 AD. It was one of the most important cultures in the Andean region, and it had a significant influence on the development of subsequent cultures in the region, including the Inca Empire.

The Tiwanaku civilization is known for its impressive stone architecture, which included massive stone buildings and monumental sculptures. They were also skilled farmers, and they built an extensive system of canals and terraces to irrigate their crops. They were also known for their impressive metalwork, including bronze and gold artifacts.

The Tiwanaku civilization was a highly organized society, with a complex social and political hierarchy. The capital city of Tiwanaku was a center of religion, commerce, and political power, and it is believed that the rulers of Tiwanaku controlled a large area of the surrounding region. The civilization was also highly religious, with a complex pantheon of deities and a sophisticated system of religious ceremonies and rituals.

The decline of the Tiwanaku civilization is still not fully understood, but it is believed to have been the result of a combination of factors, including environmental degradation, social unrest, and invasion by neighboring cultures. Despite its decline, the Tiwanaku civilization had a lasting impact on the region, and its legacy can still be seen in the art, architecture, and culture of modern-day Bolivia and Peru.

The Maya had a sophisticated understanding of astronomy and developed a highly accurate calendar system, which they used to plan agricultural activities, religious ceremonies, and other important events. They also believed that each day had a specific energy or force associated with it, which influenced the personality traits and fate of individuals born on that day. This system of astrology was called the "tzolk'in" and was used for divination, prophecy, and personal guidance.

Creator

Lord of the Lake,

Wiracocha provider,

industrious Wiracocha

in shining clothes:

Let man live well,

let woman live well,

let the peoples multiply,

live blessed and prosperous lives.

Preserve what you have infused with life

for ages without end,

hold it in your hand.

The hymns of Pachacutec Inca Yupanqui, composed for the Situa ceremony around 1440-1450, are among the world's great sacred poetry. The above hymn is one of eleven hymns, or jaillis, in Quechua verse, which were sung to the accompaniment of instruments during the annual Inca ceremony of the Situa Raymi, held at the first new moon after the Spring equinox.