Epidemics and health conditions in Perú: the demographic collapse of the 16th century, a historical perspective

Abstract

During the colonial era, the successive epidemics, in addition to causing the drastic depopulation of various areas of the country, allowed the reorganization of the territory for the benefit of the conquerors and their heirs, creating estates or large estates that exploited the territory and the indigenous labor force. The spanish were clear: without indigenous labor it was impossible to maintain their dominance in Perú.