Unraveling the landscape of Ecuadorian pre-Columbian civilizations

Abstract

Natural features have had a strong influence on space creation since ancient times. Cultural and spiritual values are not less important

thus, places and the elements that composed the landscapes have functional and spiritual meanings that allow ancient settlements to take advantage of the natural features of the environment. In fact, among all Ecuadorian pre-Columbian cultures, the Manteño-Huancavilcas, maintained a prosperous and advanced civilization from 650 to 1532 A.C. Even though this culture was located along the coast of Ecuador in an ecosystem with hazardous conditions characterized by water scarcity, they were still able to survive and create a prosperous civilization based on agriculture and trade. However, their ancient knowledge and traditional practices were almost eradicated by the cultural alienation that came with colonization. Currently, archaeological reports provide limited and isolated information without any form of systematization. Historical reports are too general without any detailed comparison with the physical characteristics of the landscape, which makes it difficult to understand the relationship of this ancient civilization with its natural environment. Therefore, the present research is a pioneer transdisciplinary study that aims to reconstruct hypothetical pre-Columbian landscape conditions and provide a retrogressive approach on how the Manteños-Huancavilcas used the natural and physical conditions of their environment in daily life by merging historical, archeological and geographical evidence.

Keywords: Ethnoecology / archeology / landscape ecology / cultural landscapes / pre-Columbian landscape management