INCA OF SOUTHERN MAPOCHO: THE TAWANTINSUYU BETWEEN MAIPO RIVER AND THE ANGOSTURA MOUNTAIN RANGE

Abstract

This paper presents the results obtained from the historical and archaeological analyses of the indigenous occupation between the southern bank of the Maipo valley and the Angostura mountain range during the Tawantinsuyu period. The main Inca trail, or Qhapaq Ñan, and the Inca royal road to the promaucaes, both of pre-Hispanic origin, are identified. Six population districts are defined. The districts located further north and closest to the Maipo river stand out for the presence of large ditches, while those located further south, adjacent to the Angostura mountain range, show defensive systems and a greater sacralization of the landscape. The article summarizes the current evidence on the human occupation of the southern part of the Inca Province of Mapocho.