Terraces at Angamuco: analysis of urban agricultural landscapes through LiDAR and GIS
Date
2021
Authors
Westberry, Celena, author
Fisher, Chris, advisor
Leisz, Stephen, committee member
Didier, John, committee member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Abstract
Angamuco was a long standing ancient Purépecha city located in Lake Pátzcuaro Basin, Michoacán, Mexico. Occupied for at least 1300 years, this archaeological site represents an accumulation of urban features including monumental architecture, a vast road network, wide-ranging domestic and public architecture, and extensive agricultural terracing. Years of pedestrian survey, several excavation seasons, and LiDAR scans of the city have produced a robust record of the dense features of the city. Using these data, in-depth GIS analysis of the spatial qualities of terraced features was possible. Through a robust investigation of 25% of the site, a total area of 178,232m2 was found to be terraced. This sample was then extrapolated onto the entirety of the site, giving an estimation of 712,928m2 of terraced area for the malpaís of Angamuco. Total area, dimensions, and spatial associations suggest that the agricultural system at Angamuco was created through a bottom up process. This likely represents multiple generations of small groups investing time and labor to make their land more productive and sustainable over long periods of time. Furthermore, productivity models suggest that small groups were utilizing these terraced zones for personal consumption, elite crop production, or minimal market transactions. Future research will further elaborate on specific growing qualities such as crop type, irrigation practices and fertilization techniques in order to better understand the agricultural system at ancient Angamuco.