Chan Chan, the Adobe City

Timeline

1. c. 850–1200mouth of the Moche valley · La LibertadChimor rulers built adobe walls and canals along the Moche valley, developing Chan Chan into the largest settlement on the north coast and controlling irrigated agriculture and fish and salt resources.
2. 1381–1390Chan Chan · La LibertadIn the 1380s Chan Chan was still the capital of the independent Chimor empire; the layout of ten royal ciudadelas was essentially formed, controlling vast territories on the north coast and coexisting in rivalry with the Inca state to the south.
3. c. 1470–1532Chan Chan · La LibertadAfter the Inca Pachacuti conquered Chimor, Chan Chan lost its status as an independent capital; parts of the city were converted to administrative and storage uses, and it gradually fell into ruin.