The name of the Moche culture is derived from the Moche River, which flows through the region where this ancient culture flourished. This area was once the center of the oldest indigenous civilization in South America (emerging around 100 AD, 1200 years before the Inca culture). The Moche people created and developed a brilliant cultural nucleus over a span of 600 years, only to eventually disappear and be forgotten in the wilderness.
The ancient Moche built magnificent, towering pyramids that served as the centers for religious ceremonies and administration, with their rulers buried beneath these architectural marvels. In 1988, archaeologists discovered a burial chamber from the Moche culture, perfectly preserved beneath the famous Sifan temple, which is now known as the Sifan Tomb.
Through analysis and research, archaeologists have determined that this ancient tomb was constructed around 300 AD, marking the peak of the Moche civilization’s development. They excavated six bodies: the primary occupant was a 30-year-old male, approximately 1.68 meters tall, belonging to the warrior and ceremonial class. The tomb also contained several individuals and objects buried alongside the deceased, with two women around 20 years old flanking the primary occupant; moreover, there were two men around 40 years old, identified as a warrior and a servant. Next to the servant lay a dog, likely the beloved pet of the primary occupant. Additionally, another man, approximately 20 years old, possibly a bodyguard, was interred near the primary occupant. Interestingly, the bodyguard was missing both legs, and the man had only one leg. Archaeologists speculate that this may have been a precaution to prevent the bodyguard from fleeing when buried alive; therefore, they were mutilated before interment.
Within the ancient tomb, archaeologists also discovered numerous burial artifacts, primarily ceramics and items made of gold, silver, and copper, 
including exquisite handcrafted works made of gold, showcasing highly skilled craftsmanship such as golden human heads, jade cups, and jewelry, which reflect the advanced agricultural society of ancient Peru. Additionally, the tomb contained animal sculptures resembling felines, appearing similar to American tigers, and large golden peanuts, twice the size of real peanuts. Among the over 1000 ceramic artifacts found, there were pitchers, bowls, jars, drinking cups; many ceramics were intricately decorated with rich designs depicting various subjects, including warriors in iron armor, naked war prisoners, and various flora and fauna, including insects.
The Moche culture laid a significant material foundation for the formation and development of the globally renowned Inca civilization that followed. The Incas inherited traditions and production techniques in pottery, weaving, metallurgy, and agriculture from the coastal and highland peoples of ancient Peru. They adopted metallurgical techniques from the northern coastal regions; according to chronicles by historians, the rulers of Cuzco brought metallurgists from this region to the capital to advance the metallurgy craft.
