How bird poop powered an ancient society in Peru

Did you know the success of an ancient South American kingdom rested on poo?

A specific type of seabird poo helped build one of the most successful ancient societies in Peru, scientists have found.

The Chincha Kingdom thrived thousands of years ago on the coast of Peru because they used the poo as fertiliser to grow corn.

Dr Jacob Bongers said the "potent resource could have significantly contributed" to the success and development of the ancient Peruvian society.

Scientists analysed tombs and found corn which contained traces of seabird poo, or "guano", suggesting the Chincha people had supercharged their soil with the poo.

Animal poo is rich in nitrogen, an element that enriches soil.

The magic fertiliser meant the Chincha were able to grow lots of corn and expand their population. They were one of the most influential ancient societies in Peru.

The researchers also found images of seabirds, fish and sprouting corn on pottery and paintings near the burial tombs, showing the importance of agriculture to their society.

"Together, the chemical and material evidence we studied confirms earlier scholarship, showing that guano was deliberately collected and used as fertiliser," said Dr Bongers.

"But it also points to a deeper cultural significance, suggesting people recognised the exceptional power of this fertiliser and actively celebrated, protected and even ritualised the vital relationship between seabirds and agriculture."