 Map showing the extent of the Quitu culture | |
| Geographical range | Pichincha |
|---|---|
| Period | Regional Development |
| Dates | c. 500 BCE - 1470 CE |
| Preceded by | Cotocollao culture |
| Followed by | Kingdom of Quito (according to de Velasco) Inca Empire |
The Quitu or Quillaco were Pre-Columbian indigenous peoples in Ecuador who founded Quito, which is the capital of present-day Ecuador.[1] This people ruled the territory from 2000 BCE and persisted through the period known as the Regional Integration Period. They were overtaken by the invasion of the Inca. The Spanish invaded and conquered the center in 1534.
The Quitu occupied an area dominated by mountains, settling largely in the valleys. About 800 CE, they created three-level, 20-meter deep tombs as part of funerary centers on the plateau. The bodies were accompanied by highly refined grave goods of textiles, shells and metals, as well as drink and food for the afterlife. These tombs were discovered in the Florida neighborhood of Quito, and in 2010 the Museum of Florida opened to display many of their treasures.