Abstract

RUZ BARRIO, Miguel Ángel. Tracing Livestock in the Matlatzinco Valley in the 16^th century through Hispanic-Indigenous Maps. Relac. Estud. hist. soc. [online]. 2019, vol.40, n.160, pp.35-72.  Epub Nov 19, 2020. ISSN 2448-7554.  https://doi.org/10.24901/rehs.v40i160.668.

In this study, we set out to evaluate the effects of the introduction of European livestock on the landscape of the Matlatzinco Valley (Valley of Toluca). The principle source of information consists of a series of maps from the 16th century known as “Hispanic-Indigenous” maps. These ancient records portray various important elements (pens, cattle ranches, sheepfolds, pastureland, etc.) that modified the landscape. Thus, they allow us to locate the sectors of this region that were devoted to certain types of livestock-raising, and to identify some constructions (e.g. fence lines) erected in efforts to resolve the grievances of nearby Indian villages whose fields were affected. These fence lines crisscrossed the valley, significantly modifying the landscape, and profoundly impacting the territory.

Keywords : Historical geography; Valley of Toluca; Viceroyalty; cattle-raising; ancient maps.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )