Architecture and Power in the Ancient Andes

In this innovative volume, Jerry D. Moore discusses public architecture in the context of the cultural, political and religious life of the pre-hispanic Andes. Archaeologists have invested enormous effort in excavating and documenting prehistoric buildings, but analytical approaches to architecture remain as yet undeveloped. Architecture and Power in the Ancient Andes uses new analytical methods to approach architecture and its relationship to Andean society, exploring three themes in particular: the architecture of monuments, the architecture of ritual, and the architecture of social control. It provides both a methodology for the study of public architecture and an example of how that methodology can be applied. Jerry D. Moore’s clear and richly illustrated discussion represents an original perspective on architecture and its role in ritual, ideology, and power in the ancient world.

• A new approach to ancient architecture • Views architecture in the context of culture, religion and politics • A clear analysis which skilfully mixes theory and detailed examples

1. The contemplation of ruins; 2. A sample of ancient Andean architecture: a critical description; 3. The architecture of monuments; 4. The architecture of ritual; 5. The architecture of social control; 6. Summary and implications.