Ancient
Cultures
The
enormous jungle
was inhabited
by communities
belonging
to the Shuar
and Achuar
cultures which
have survived
until today.
The Incas
didn’t intervene
to a great
extent in
these communities.
The
Colonial Era
The
provinces
of Macas and
Quijos were
sites of interest
during the
colonial times
for the excavation
of gold. One
of the first
towns founded
here was called
Sevilla
del Oro (Seville
of Gold).
The
colonizers
and conquistadores
confronted
the natives,
who sometimes
attacked and
destroyed
the villages.
Macas survived
on the banks
of the river
Upano and
converted
itself into
a centre of
evangelical
activity.
The
Republican
Period
Until
1920 this
zone formed
part of the
province of
Chimborazo,
Sangay was
a canton and
Macas was
the capital.
On 15th December
1920 the eastern
province of
Santiago-Zamora
was established
with Macas
as the capital.
On
24th February
1954 a decree
was passed
outlining
new territorial
divisions.
The province
of Santiago-Zamora
was divided
in two and
Morona-Santiago
was born,
with Macas
as its capital.
Development
in the area
has been intense
and mainly
carried out
by the Silesian
missionaries
with regards
to education
and the development
of the Shuar
communities.
As well as
the Shuars,
the Alama
and Huaorani
communities
also inhabit
the areas.
These towns
and villages
have fought
in the various
national conflicts
with Peru.
Last Updated
22nd August
2006 (DLW)
