The Surprising Secret Behind an Ancient Andean Kingdom’s Rise

Seabird guano fertilization boosted maize production in ancient Peru, fueling Chincha wealth, trade networks, and strategic Inca alliances. New archaeological findings show that seabird guano—nutrient-rich bird droppings—was not simply a farming aid but a foundation of economic and political power in ancient Peru. By dramatically improving corn yields, it may have played a central role [...]