Philippine E-Journals

Early Settlements in San Juan, Batangas, Philippines – Some Hypotheses


Grace Barretto-tesoro

Discipline: History

 

Abstract:

This paper discusses the results of the 2008 and 2010 archaeological surveys in San Juan, Batangas. It describes potential and excavated archaeological sites in the area with the view of understanding the locations of ancient settlements in San Juan. This study is significant because it provides initial insights on how San Juan was settled in the past before the Spanish arrival since there was a dearth of archaeological investigation in this area prior to 2008. The surveys reveal that sites earlier than the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century are located in the south of San Juan and sites dated to the late 1800s are found in the north and inland. The paper also briefly discusses the results of the 2009 to 2011 archaeological excavations of two stone houses in the old town. Additional data from archival records are also utilized. The study shows that the old Spanish town was most probably a reducción and that earlier settlements were probably located elsewhere.