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.