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Tolita Culture
The Tolita culture, which lasted from 300 B.C. until 200 A.D. was one of the first major pre-Columbian cultures in Ecuador. The people of the Tolita culture were skilled in craftsmanship with metals such as gold and silver which had not yet been discovered in other countries like Europe. This is an example of one of the Tolita culture's beautiful pieces. -
Jan 30, 700
La Bahia Culture Thrives
The Bahia culture flourished on the coast of Ecuador from approximately 300 BC to 500 AD. They lived on farming and fishing. The Bahia culture also produced beautiful ceramics such as this one shown. -
Jan 1, 1450
The Incas come to Ecuador!
The Inca ivilization invaded Ecuador in 1450 and started an important part in Ecuadorian history. During the Inca rule roads through mountains in Ecuador were built, and also aqueducts were built in the city. This picture is the ruins of an ancient sun temple in Ecuador built by the Incas. -
Jan 1, 1534
The Spanish Conquer Ecuador and Introduce a New Religion
The Spanish conquest for Ecuador was led by a conquistador named Francisco Pizarro. The Spanish introduced a very important part of Ecuadorian people - their Roman Catholic religion. Currently, the Roman Catholic religion is practiced by about 95% of the Ecuadorian population. To the right are a husband and wife renewing their vows in a Catholic marriage service. -
The Battle of Pichincha
In the Battle of Pinincha, South American rebels fought for idepedence against Spanish rule, and suceeded. The leader of this historic fight was Antonio Jose de Sucre. When Ecuador won, the country became apart of Gran Columbia. But finally, in 1830, became fully independent. -
Oil starts to be produced
In 1972 oil is discovered in Oriente and Ecuador starts becoming a major oil producer. Currently, oil provides 80% of Ecuador's energy sources and accounts for half of Ecuador's export earnings. Ecuador is also one of the largest oil producing countries in Latin America. To the right is an oil pipe running through the Ecuadorian rainforest. -
Ecuador begins electing governement officials again!
After more years of political instability, including a time period of military rule and dictatorship, Ecuador finally makes a constitution which enforces democracy. Shown in this photograph is Ecuador's current president, Rafael Correa. -
The Manteno Culture
The Manteo culture was a coastal society in Ecuador that existed from about 800 A.D. until the Spanish conquest. They are known for long-distance trading of many items such as decorative ornaments and ceramics. An example of one of these ceramics is in the photos shown.
