WHO WERE THE FIRST SETTLERS OF ECUADOR? - HISTORY - 2025

The first settlers of Ecuador were the indigenous peoples prior to the time of Spanish colonization and even the Inca conquest. It is estimated that they reached the territory of Ecuador 13,500 years ago.

They were nomadic tribes who survived by hunting and traveling constantly. They came from regions further north and established themselves forming the first settled population communities in what we know today as Ecuador.

The first settlers lived in Ecuador 13,500 years ago.

This period prior to the Inca and Columbian stages is divided into several stages or phases of historical evolution: Paleoindian or Preceramic, Formative, Regional Development and Integration or Incaic.

The first settlers of the Preceramic Period

That time extends to approximately 4,200-4,000 BC within a larger historical period known as the Paleoamerican.

In turn, it is divided into several stadiums known by the names of Las Vegas, Chobshi, El Punin, Cubilán and El Inga.

From this time there are skeletal and archaeological remains that testify to the presence of communities in this region around 3,000 BC.

Thanks to these discoveries, we know that spears and arrows were already in use. The wood also began to be used for the construction of farm implements and hunting tools.

The epoch of the Formative Period or Agroalfarero

This was the next historical stage of the first settlers of Ecuador. As its name indicates, pottery is a characteristic element of this period. They were the precursors of this discipline in the American continent.

There is no unanimity about the temporal extension of the period, but it is estimated that it lasted until 1350 AD

The main cultures present in this historical stage were Valdivia, Machalilla and Chorrera.

The Period of Regional Development or Agrominero

This stage marks the beginning of internal migrations in the territory of present-day Ecuador. Regional movements of the settlers are registered.

Also, at this time the first divisions or differences develop in the political organization of indigenous peoples.

The different customs and ways of life of the inhabitants of different areas led them to divide them into groups: the Bahia culture, the Chimba culture and the Jama-Coaque culture.

The Integration or Inca Period

This was the last historical stage of the first settlers of Ecuador. The Inca conquest put an end to it and began another period until the Spanish conquest and colonization.

It is the period of development of geographic poles of a certain size and importance. In strategic places such as the coast or the mountains the first cities emerge. There are political divisions in states and manors.

The people of Ecuador at this time are divided into many ethnic or cultural groups. Some of the most important are:

- Manteños: they inhabited the territory of the current city of Manta. They built thrones and worked gold and silver. They were very religious and worshiped the serpent.

- Huancavilcas: a legend about this town gives its name to the current city of Guayaquil. They were a warrior race with very marked physical features.

- Caranquis-Cayambes: they built stepped pyramids for religious and spiritual purposes.

- Cañaris: famous for their goldsmith pottery work and for being great merchants. There are traces of its presence even in the territories of present-day Bolivia and Peru.

- Avocados: they were a group of tribes. They were the first conquered by the Incas.

References

1. Carlos de la Torre & Steve Striffler (Duke University Press). (2008). The Ecuador Reader: History, Culture, Politics.
2. Ecuador on the Encyclopaedia Britannica.
3. History of Ecuador. Lonely Planet at lonelyplate.com.
4. Uzo Mzrvin. (2016). Ecuador History: Pre-Hispanic Era, Discovery and Conquest, Spanish Colonial Era, Society, Economy, Government, Politics.
5. Karl Dieter Gartelmann. (1986). Digging up Prehistory: The Archeology of Ecuador.