850 bce

Archaeology

The first great civilization of South America, known today as the Chavín, which arose in the north, reaches the central Andes of Peru and establishes itself in the region, possibly by conquest but also possibly as a result of a religious revival. See also 1500 bce Construction.

The first known arched bridge is built in Smyrna (Izmir, Turkey). See also 2000 bce Transportation; 600 bce Construction.

The 14-m-high (45-ft-high) Chavín de Huantar temple, now called the Castillo is begun near the continental divide (Peru). Over a period of 500 years it is completed with several levels of interior galleries. It is built with stones without mortar with ceilings partially supported by cantilevered stones projecting from the walls. The earliest known stone edifice in South America, it is about 75 m by 72 m (245 ft by 235 ft) square at its base. Vents bring air into the interior rooms, and a system of canals and conduits carries water from a nearby river through the temple. See also 1500 bce Construction.

The ram is added to warships by the Greeks or possibly by the Phoenicians. Previously, the only naval strategy had been to board an enemy ship and fight hand to hand. With the ram, it becomes possible to sink enemy vessels. See also 1400 bce Transportation; 700 bce Transportation.

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