Socio-Political Organization

Moche socio-political organization became increasingly complex over time. At the onset Moche society was probably organized at the complex chiefdom level. Its political unity was maintained by an elaborate ritual system dominated by a prestigious priestly elite in which the Huaca de la Luna played a fundamental role. Towards the end of Moche phase III the priestly elite based its power on a centralized structure, supported by a group of administrators and warriors that allowed the rulers to control a vast territory. At this time Moche social organization had probably reached the level of a theocratic state.

During Moche phase V the priestly elite lost prestige, and we see the beginnings of a new, more secular power structure separate from the priestly elite. This move toward a more secular administration was crystallized several centuries later by the Chimú.