Published in

Cambridge University Press, Radiocarbon, 5(64), p. 1209-1237, 2022

DOI: 10.1017/rdc.2022.59

Links

Tools

Export citation

Search in Google Scholar

A Radiocarbon Chronology for Estadio De Quillota in the Aconcagua Valley, Central Chile, With Reference to the Adoption of Intensive Maize Agriculture and Revisiting the Timing of Inka Influence on the Southern Frontier

Journal article published in 2022 by Jaime L. Swift ORCID, Nicole Fuenzalida Bahamodes ORCID, Rick J. Schulting ORCID
This paper was not found in any repository, but could be made available legally by the author.
This paper was not found in any repository, but could be made available legally by the author.

Full text: Unavailable

Green circle
Preprint: archiving allowed
Red circle
Postprint: archiving forbidden
Red circle
Published version: archiving forbidden
Data provided by SHERPA/RoMEO

Abstract

ABSTRACTEstadio de Quillota (EDQ) is the largest known pre-Columbian cemetery site within the Aconcagua Valley of Central Chile. Despite its importance, existing chronological data for EDQ are limited and questions remain regarding the prehistory of the Valley, particularly around the adoption and intensification of maize agriculture, as well as the timing of Inka influence reaching the region. Seventeen new AMS radiocarbon dates presented here indicate two distinct phases of use at EDQ: An earlier phase (339–196 cal BC to cal AD 128–339), and a later phase (cal AD 1280–1387 to cal AD 1413–1458). Accompanying stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) analyses of human bone collagen (n=22) demonstrate diachronic dietary changes corresponding to these phases, with a reliance on terrestrial C3 resources during the earlier period, followed by a heavy dependence on C4-based (maize) resources during the later use. Bayesian modeling of the dates from Late Period contexts suggests Inka influence arrived in Central Chile by ca. cal AD 1400, decades before the date cited in traditional chronologies, AD 1471. Inka expansion likely occurred here with an initial phase of interaction and exchange preceding a later phase of integration. This finding supports growing evidence that the traditional chronology of the Inka Empire requires reconsideration.