Pre-Hispanic anthropogenic wetlands in the upper Ica drainage, south-central Andes: dating and context

Abstract

Humans have engineered their environmentsthroughout the Holocene, especially in the constructionof hydraulic infrastructure. In many regions,however, this infrastructure is difficult to date, includingthe vestiges of water-management systems in theAndean highlands. Focusing on silt reservoirs in theupper Ica drainage, Peru, the authors use cores andradiocarbon dates to demonstrate the pre-Hispanicconstruction of walls to enhance and expand wetlandsfor camelid pasture. Interventions dated to the Incaperiod (AD 1400?1532) indicate an intensificationof investment in hydraulic infrastructure to expandproduction capacity in support of the state. Theresults are discussed in the context of the hydraulicstrategies of other states and empires.