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Home / Equine Research Bank / Sci Rep / Horseback riding pathways and harbors at the beginning of th...
Scientific reports2020; 10(1); 10466; doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-67523-3

Horseback riding pathways and harbors at the beginning of the colonial era in Mexico.

Abstract: The introduction of horses in the New World changed the way of traveling on complex terrains. This change reconfigured the land transport network connecting harbors in the region. However, data of horseback riding pathways among harbors is scarce. We analyzed the case of Mexico at the beginning of the colonial period to recreate routes that connected ancient harbors and to identify the network characteristics of a large-scale system of routes. We used the complex systems approach as a framework in which we applied the least cost path analysis to reconstruct a network of horseback paths, and we computed the node betweenness centrality to identify the most probable locations that controlled de flow of travels. Findings suggest that horses modified the transportation system by expanding the connections and increasing the speed of traveling across the New Spain territory. The node betweenness centrality suggests that some locations organized the flow of traveling based on a few harbors located at the central region. Therefore, the horse allowed the Spaniards to reshape the spatial organization in the colonial era in Mexico.
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Publication Date: 2020-06-26 PubMed ID: 32591569PubMed Central: PMC7320006DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67523-3Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research discusses how the introduction of horses in Mexico during the colonial era altered the existing transport network, particularly focussing on routes connecting harbors. The introduction of horses enhanced travel speed and expanded the connectivity of the region which had a profound effect on the spatial organization within the colonial Mexican territory.

Methodology and Use of Complex Systems Approach

  • The researchers used a methodological framework, the complex systems approach, for their study. This framework is often used to analyze systems that have many parts interacting with each other in multiple ways.
  • They applied a ‘least cost path analysis’ concept to reconstruct the network of horse paths. The least cost path is a calculation of the most efficient (or ‘cheapest’) route between two points in terms of time, effort, or resources. It’s a common method used in geoscience and geographic information system studies.
  • ‘Node betweenness centrality’ is deployed to identify major junctions or ‘nodes’ that had the most control over the movement or transport flow. Nodes in this context are locations or points, and their ‘betweenness centrality’ refers to their position within the transport network.

Findings and Influence of Horses on New Spain’s Transport Network

  • The study findings suggest that the introduction of horses greatly modified the existing transportation system. This change brought about the expansion of route connections.
  • The speed of travel was drastically increased across the territory of New Spain, allowing travel across longer distances in shorter periods compared to pre-horseback travel methodologies.
  • Using the calculation of node betweenness centrality, the research identified major nodes or locations that directed and organized flow of travel. This shows that the overall flow of travel was primarily based on a few central region harbors.

Long-Term Impact of Horses on Mexico’s Spatial Organization

  • The availability of horses allowed the Spaniards to reshape spatial organization in the Mexican territory during the colonial era. The enhancement of the transportation network enabled more efficient utilization of territories and fostered better inter-regional interactions.
  • The impact of horses is thus seen not just in terms of transport, but also in terms of socio-economic changes within the colonial New Spain.

Cite This Article

APA
Lugo I, Alatriste-Contreras MG. (2020). Horseback riding pathways and harbors at the beginning of the colonial era in Mexico. Sci Rep, 10(1), 10466. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-67523-3

Publication

Scientific reports
ISSN: 2045-2322
NlmUniqueID: 101563288
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 10
Issue: 1
Pages: 10466
PII: 10466

Researcher Affiliations

Lugo, Igor
  • National Autonomous University of Mexico, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Multidisciplinarias, Estudios Regionales, 62210, Cuernavaca, Mexico. igorlugo@crim.unam.mx.
Alatriste-Contreras, Martha G
  • National Autonomous University of Mexico, Facultad de Economia, Metodos Cuantitativos, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Horses
  • Humans
  • Mexico
  • Spain
  • Transportation / methods
  • Transportation Facilities

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

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