Chan Chan, the massive city in Peru’s Moche Valley, constructed by the Chimú rulers, showcased impressive engineering skills. The city, built in a desert with limited rainfall, boasted an extensive irrigation system that sustained a population of up to 40,000 for nearly five centuries. The architecture highlighted social hierarchies and distinctive Chimú cultural elements. Surprisingly, recent excavations revealed diverse populations in Chan Chan, challenging previous assumptions. Luxurious goods found in residential areas suggested an intermediary elite class, not artisans as expected, indicating a complex societal structure. The city was a melting pot of customs, foods, and identities, showcasing the diverse nature of its inhabitants.
https://archaeology.org/issues/may-june-2023/features/peru-chimu-chan-chan/