City of Potosi by Jia Tipnis

jiatipnis27 — 2024-05-06 19:49:58 UTC

Potosi's beginning

jiatipnis27 — 2024-05-12 20:24:12 UTC

Beginning after the Tiwanaku Empire's brutal collapse in 1000 ad, the city of Potosi was handed over to Spaniard Conquerors. In the 17th century, Potosi there were 160,000 colonists and over 13,000 Indians living in Potosi. The Indians were forced to work in the mines because of the mita system. The Peruvian-developed mining system, patio majorly benefited the production of silver and silver production was at an all time high ("City of Potosi").

Image Source: 2015 Image by EEJCC on Wikimedia Commons

Snapshot: Cerro Rico - the world's largest silver mine

jiatipnis27 — 2024-05-12 21:38:40 UTC

Cerro Rico was the largest silver mine in the world. It gave rise to many techniques, beliefs and technologies. Mining was a dangerous job and over 8 million people died in the Potosi silver mine (Barragán R. and Zagalsky Page 53). Two billion ounces of silver was extracted from the mountain.

Image Source: 2019 Image by Viko Casaz on Wikimedia Commons

Snapshot: Gender Roles in Potosi

jiatipnis27 — 2024-05-12 23:25:52 UTC

Women, the suppliers of food as well as holders of urban and rural real estate prospered in Potosí. The widowed women, held property, since they were guaranteed a portion of their husband's estate under Spanish law. Female vendors dominated street markets and stalls, selling food and maize beer ("Potosi").

Potosi today

jiatipnis27 — 2024-05-13 02:10:33 UTC

Present day Potosi is still inhabited by many people as well as tourists. Although there is a scarce amount of sliver in the region now, but they still have good mines ("City of Potosi"). Potosi is still a haven for mining of tin, copper and more. The colonial catholic churches have been restored and Potosi is still a lively place ("Potosi").

Image Source: 2015 Image by Grullab on Wikimedia Commons

Potosi in Danger

jiatipnis27 — 2024-05-13 02:18:19 UTC

According to the World Heritage Committee, Potosi is in danger because of the continued and uncontrolled mining operations on the Cerro Rico Mountain. Cerro Rico is at risk of collapsing and is instable. It is currently put of the List of World Heritage in Danger ("City of Potosi").

Image Source: 2007 Image by Martin St. Amant on UNESCO World Heritage

Map of Mining in Potosi

jiatipnis27 — 2024-05-13 14:04:11 UTC

Image Source: 2008 Image by F. Llanos on Semantic Scholar

Summary

jiatipnis27 — 2024-05-13 14:11:03 UTC

I learned about the history and importance of the City of Potosi. 60% of the world's silver was produced from Cerro Rico Mountain. Potosi became a UNESCO site because its mining and the beauty of the cities Catholic churches and layout. Through this project, I learned about Potosi, a city I now have a much deeper understanding and appreciation towards.

Work Cited

jiatipnis27 — 2024-05-13 14:15:10 UTC

My work cited

Map of Potosi

jiatipnis27 — 2024-05-14 17:56:30 UTC

Image Source: 2011 Image by TUBS on Wikimedia Commons