Guaruma Empire

Guaruma Empire
400 - 900
Ruins of Guaruma
Capital	Guaruma
Common languages	Guaruma
Demonym(s)	Guaruman
Government	Divine, absolute monarchy
Today part of	Pecario

The Guaruma Empire is a pre-Tuachec civilization that dominated the eastern region of present-day Pecario between the 5th and 11th centuries.

Geography

The Guaruma civilization originated north of the present-day city of Sol Marina, near the archaeological site of Guaruma. Its maximum extent is poorly known, but archaeological research indicates expansion over vast territories towards the north, reaching as far as Lake Chakumiri.

History

Guaruma began its steady growth in the early centuries of the first millennium AD. nitially, Guaruma was a modest agricultural village. However, from approximately 375 to 700 CE, it burgeoned into a bustling urban center and emerged as a formidable regional power. During its zenith, Guaruma boasted a population exceeding 10,000 inhabitants, indicative of its prosperity and influence.

By approximately 900 CE, the Guaruma Empire experienced a decline, with the city eventually fading into obscurity. The precise reasons for this collapse remain subjects of scholarly debate, with theories ranging from environmental factors to socio-political upheavals.

Art

Stone-carved heads in Guaruma

Guaruman monumental architecture is characterized by large stones of exceptional workmanship. Guaruman stone architecture typically employs rectangular ashlar blocks laid in regular courses. Guaruma sculpture typically consists of blocky, column-like figures with large, flat square eyes, detailed with shallow relief carving. Guarumans also practiced the art of Petroglyph. Most depicted scenes are symbols representing wild animals, llamas, and deities. The Guarumas were skilled artisans : golden sculptures discovered in the Laguna Dorada, depicting faces and gods, demonstrate their great dexterity with precious metals.