Paleohydraulics and Complexity Theory: Perspectives on Self Organization of Ancient Societies

Abstract

Complexity theory provides a path toward understanding the development of ancient Andean societal progress from early settlements to later high population states. The use of modern hydraulic engineering methods to develop an understanding of the technical achievements of ancient societies (paleohydraulics), when combined with complexity theory, provides a path toward understanding the role of hydraulic engineering achievements to guide population increase and societal group cooperation on the path from early kin settlements to later statehood. An example case illustrating the paleohydraulics-complexity theory connection is presented for advancement of the pre-Columbian Bolivian Tiwanaku (600–1100 CE) society through their seasonal control of groundwater levels in urban city areas. This feature provided well water availability for city housing, public fountains, city hygienic and health benefits from the control of habitation dampness levels, water on a year-round basis for intra-city specialty crops, and the structural foundational stability of monumental religious structures. Commensurate with this application, Tiwanaku raised-field systems utilized groundwater control technologies to support multi-cropping agriculture to support growing population demands. Paleohydraulics theory together with complexity theory is applied to other major South American ancient societies (Caral, Tiwanaku, Chimú, Wari, Inka) to illustrate the influence of advanced hydraulic engineering technologies on advances from early origins to statehood.