Costa Rica News – A thousand years ago, there were no universities training engineers but people were quite intelligent. Though they didn’t have concrete or steel they found unique ways to build stable homes.
A group from the University of Costa Rica’s School of Anthropology spent five weeks excavating areas of a private plot of land that is 180 hectares and located in Guápiles de Pococí, Limón.
Though ancient civilizations lived on rough terrain and experienced a harsh climate, they had the social and technical skills needed to construct plazas for public events, homes that kept water out, aqueducts, stone paths and tombs.
A precise cross section found on a mound under layers of soil gave a glimpse into how the homes were built and how they were remodeled or expanded upon.
There was a first layer combining river sand and ash perfectly leveled followed by a stable compact layer and a darker land based filling. There was a baked clay floor and a conical roof.
The home was built around a timber column which was later cut down and buried.
Main Picture by JORGE ARCE, La Nacion
