Wednesday, 15 March 2017

Similitude in Archaeology: Examining Agricultural System Science in PreColumbian Civilizations of Ancient Peru and Bolivia

Civilizations of Ancient Peru and Bolivia

Similitude theory adapted to archaeological system analysis provides insight into thought processes underlying agricultural field-system designs used by Andean societies. A basic equation governing the optimum rate of food production dependent upon land, water, labor and technology resources is derived and compared to Chimu, Tiwanaku and Inka field-system designs.

Actual designs are close to theoretical optimum designs demonstrating advanced engineering used in decision making underlying field-system designs. Further examples demonstrate how Andean societies managed land, water, labor and technology to provide economic advantage for their populations.

The presentation illustrates that agricultural field-system designs were based upon scientific/economic principles and provide a further dimension as to how Andean societies successfully sustained their agricultural development.

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