Applied Archaeology in the Andes: The Contribution of Pre-Hispanic Agricultural Terracing to Environmental and Rural Development Strategies

Research reveals that the rise and fall of Andean civilizations over the past 5,000 years was significantly influenced by climate variability. The study highlights how coastal civilizations, such as those at Caral, thrived initially due to maritime resources but faced decline during droughts, leading to the dominance of highland centers like Chavin de Huantar (c.500–200 BC). These centers expanded through trade networks but later declined due to environmental degradation in the highlands. The research also underscores the role of agricultural innovations, such as terracing and raised fields (camellones), in sustaining early economic developments around Lake Titicaca. By analyzing patterns of temperature and precipitation, the study demonstrates their critical role in shaping Andean cultural sustainability and power dynamics.

Kendall, A. (2013). Applied Archaeology in the Andes: The Contribution of Pre-Hispanic Agricultural Terracing to Environmental and Rural Development Strategies. Humans and the Environment. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780199590292.003.0018