10. The Ancient Water Gardens
Underneath the salt crust are traces of a clever pre- Columbian irrigation system that had sustained flourishing agricultural villages. Dating back more than 1,000 years, these ancient water gardens show the amazing technical ability of indigenous people who could grow food in one of the most difficult surroundings. Archaeological data points to a complex network of reservoirs and waterways effectively gathering and distributing limited water supplies. Raised planting beds, water storage systems, and clever drainage systems that stopped salt contamination remain from these gardens. Modern scientists are investigating these age-old methods in pursuit of understanding of sustainable development in dry environments. Finding preserved plant remains has given important new insights on the kinds of crops farmed and historic eating customs. Predating comparable methods found elsewhere in the world, the water gardens are among the first instances of effective desert agriculture. Combining traditional knowledge with contemporary farming methods, local people are trying to rebuild some of these historic systems. Tools, ceramics, and domestic objects among other artefacts found on the site help to clarify daily life in these prehistoric civilisations. Ground-penetuating radar-based recent archaeological studies have unearthed hitherto unidentified garden systems.
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