Radio Cadena Agramonte emisiora de Camagüey
Quito, 12 Sep.- The discovery in Ecuador of remains of the ancient city of Riobamba, buried by multiple earthquakes, such as that of 1797, keeps researchers of the National Institute of Cultural Heritage (INPC) busy today.
This institution detailed in a statement that, during recent archaeological excavations in the canton of Colta, in the province of Chimborazo, parts of the old city were discovered, when Mount Culca completely covered that city.
According to INPC, the findings took place during the execution of urban regeneration works carried out by the Municipal Government of Colta, while excavating for the burial of cables and settlement of sidewalks.
With the aim of ensuring the preservation of the cultural heritage of the site, INPC authorized the investigation and incorporated a multidisciplinary team that works with experts from the construction company that executes the works.
So far what the excavations have evidenced is the existence of a cobblestone of what would be the courtyard of the convent of the Jesuit religious community.
In addition, 30 meters of stone canals have been found, which would make up the distribution of water in the city.
The research team also found objects of great historical value, including a stove, kitchen utensils such as spoons, cutlery and metal forks with colonial characteristics.
The rescued objects are temporarily found in the laboratory of the team of archaeologists in Colta, where they are analyzed, then will be handed over to INPC.
For specialists, these remains provide key information on a time unsorst studied in Ecuador, such as the colonial period, more than 200 years of history that had remained hidden underground, INPC said.
Riobamba and the central region have suffered multiple earthquakes over the centuries. The telluric movement in 1797 buried much of the city underground.
INPC assured that this phenomenon created a time capsule, preserving vestiges of the colonial history of the city. (Text and Photo: PL)
