Pre Columbia also known as Mesoamerica had four major religions, Maya, Mixtec, Zapotec, and Aztec. Their beliefs were very different but all shared the same hunger for sacrifice, murder, rape and violence. Maya civilization dominated southern Mesoamerica in the second half of the first millennium A.D. continuing until the time of the Spanish conquest. In the Valley of Oaxaca the Zapotec culture had been developing since the Pre-Classic period (beginning circa 1500 B.C.), but it reached its height between about 300 A.D. and 700 A.D. By the 10th century Mixtec rulers from the neighboring highlands had fought and married their way into parts of the Zapotec Valley of Oaxaca. The last major Mesoamerican civilization was that of the Aztec, who were also called Mexica. The Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán, the present site of Mexico City, was one of the largest and one of the most beautiful cities in the world at the time of the Spanish conquest.

The fascinating Moche period begins with the decline of the Cupisnique period at about the time of Christ. Their architectural skills allowed the construction of huge pyramids and other structures. Moche priests and warriors were both honored and obeyed and are the people most frequently shown in ceramics. As there was no written language, most of what we know about the Moche comes from this wealth of pottery. Their authority is evident from pots showing scenes of punishment, including the mutilation and death of those who dared to disobey.

Huacho was the capital city of the Pre-Inca Lima Region. The remains of the first Andean inhabitants, hunters and harpoon fishermen from about A.D. 1100, are to be found in the Lima region. These remains were found in Chivateros, near the Chillón River, and in various other places including Huacho. These people incorporated nets, hooks, farming, ceramics and weaving to their everyday objects. The inhabitants of the coast lived in the lomas and the valleys forming temples and dwelling complexes, that gave origin to huge ceremonial centres such as the Huacoy on the Chillón river; Garagay and La Florida on the Rímach river, Manchay on the Lurín river; and Chancay, Supe and many other valleys to the north and south. There are finely ornamented temples with figures modelled in clay. The Lima Culture saw its origins in this area, especially on the central valleys from Chancay to Lurín, with painted adobe buildings.

During this time, the Huacho conquest took place, thus giving rise to Huacho style ceramics, together with a local style known as Nievería. The population grew and their Culture changed. With the decline of Huari, whose most important centre was Cajamarquilla, were born new local cultures, Chancay being the most known of them. They developed enormous urban centres and a considerable textile production as well as mass-produced ceramics.