Investigating the republican past in the historical downtown of Cuenca - Ecuador: an approach from urban archeology in the educational school of the Christian Brothers’ school

Abstract

This study is an urban archaeology investigation in the historical building called “Febres Cordero” or Escuela San José in the Twenty-First century. It is located in the historic center of Cuenca, Ecuador. The Christian Brothers occupied the building at the end of the Nineteen century and for much of the Twenty century. The methodology used included geophysical prospecting using ground-penetrating radar to detect underground anomalies. In addition, excavations were carried out to collect data and material evidence. The findings included channels, floors, and ceramics from both colonial and republican times. The results of this study provide valuable information about the history and evolution of the building and its surroundings. Moreover, it corresponds to an Andean colonial and republic city.