Integration Period

The last stage of Ecuadorian prehistory, from about 500 AD to the Inca conquest (1550), characterized by greater cultural uniformity over wider areas. There is evidence for urban centers, class distinction, intensive agriculture, and high quality metallurgy throughout the region. The absorption of Ecuador into the Inca empire was the culmination of this trend. It is part of the chronological continuum - Formative, Regional Development, Integration - formulated by Betty Meggers.

The most recent period in the chronological continum Formative, Regional Development, Integration. Formulated for use in Ecuadoran archaeology by Betty Meggers, it covers the period from ad 500 to 1550 and has been applied to other areas of northwestern South and Central America. Sometimes known as the Late Period, it is characterized by greater cultural uniformity over wider areas and an increase in the hallmarks of civilization, for example urban centres, intensive agriculture and class stratification. The absorption of Ecuador into the Inca empire is the culmination of this trend.