The Royal Roads in Mexico: Engineering and Architectural Heritage

Abstract

AbstractWhen central Mexico, was conquered by Spaniards, the Conquistadors immediately began the process of colonization for which communication channels were necessary to bring the population under the power of the Spanish Crown. Since one of Spain’s principal interests was extraction of precious metals: silver and gold, new regions were colonized and mines developed. Roads were built to access these mine fields, supply them with inputs and export the products which simultaneously led to growth in other productive sectors. Two main, perpendicular communication axes were opened during the Viceroyalty period. The first was opened from east to west from Veracruz port (Gulf of Mexico coast) to Mexico City and then to Acapulco port (Pacific Ocean). A north-south axis connected Mexico City with mining regions to the North and to the South. This investigation shows the methodology used to georeference a part of the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, in the Queretaro State. It started with old cartography review (XVIII and XIX century maps); followed up with the direct walk of the route in almost 300-km long trip, obtaining direct information, a photographic survey of the route and face-to-face interview with people still living close to the Camino Real vestiges.KeywordsGeoreferenced information systemsRoyal roads