The first haciendas of Chile formed during the Spanish conquest in the 16th century.[1] The Destruction of the Seven Cities following the battle of Curalaba (1598) meant for the Spanish the loss of both the main gold districts and the largest sources of indigenous labour.[13] After those dramatic years the colony of Chile became concentrated in Central Chile which became increasingly populated, explored and economically exploited.[3] Much land in Central Chile was cleared with fire during this period.[14] On the contrary open fields in southern Chile were overgrown as indigenous populations declined due to diseases introduced by the Spanish and intermittent warfare.[15] The loss of the cities meant Spanish settlements in Chile became increasingly rural[16] with the hacienda gaining importance in economic and social matters.[17] As Chilean mining activity declined in the 17th century[18] more haciendas were formed as the economy moved away from mining and into agriculture and husbandry.[4]