essay

Agroecological perspectives on the decline of the Tiwanaku state

tiwanaku and its hinterland : archaeology and paleoecology on an andean civilizationWashington, Dc • Published In 1996 • Pages: 181-201

By: Kolata, Alan L., Ortloff, Charles R..

Abstract
'This chapter examines the collapse of the Tiwanaku state through … its agricultural history. We argue that the direct cause of Tiwanaku's decline … was the deterioration and ultimate abandonment of its regional-scale agricultural systems. We present evidence that the collapse … was triggered by regional change in climatic conditions' (page 181). The authors use data from the Quelccaya glacier and paleolimnological data (see document #12) to reconstruct the paleo-climate. The authors discuss the climate's affect on the raised fields and the Tiwanaku state in the Lake Titicaca Basin and the Moquegua Valley.
Subjects
Organization and analysis of results of research
Climate
Topography and geology
Sociocultural trends
Tillage
Chronologies and culture sequences
tradition
Tiahuanaco
HRAF PubDate
2003
Region
South America
Sub Region
Central Andes
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Archaeologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Sarah Berry ; 2002
Field Date
1979, 1986-1994
Coverage Date
1600 BP-900 BP (400 A.D.-1100 A.D.)
Coverage Place
Bolivia and Peru
Notes
Alan L. Kolata and Charles R. Ortloff
For bibliographical references see document 8: Kolata
LCCN
95005837
LCSH
Indians of South America--Antiquities