in the archaeology of the americas "horizon" terminology, used as proper names, has become used for schemes of periodization of major periods. "horizons" are periods of cultural stability and political unity, with "intermediate periods" covering the politically fragmented transition between them. in the periodization of pre-columbian peru and the central andes there are three horizon periods, with two intermediate periods between them. the horizons, and their dominant cultures are: early horizon, chavin; middle horizon, tiwanaku and wari culture; late horizon, inca.