Understanding Classic Maya Hegemonic Networks Through Textual-Material Synergies: The Case of the "Snake" Kingdom

Over the past two decades it has become increasingly clear that the ancient Maya political landscape was permeated by asymmetrical power relations. The hegemonic networks these created fluctuated through time, but the steady presence of a few especially dominant polities shows that they were a persistent feature with very real socio-political effects. Yet much about these regional systems remains unexplained. Their developmental history, systems of maintenance, coercive mechanisms, degree of cultural assimilation, and impact on their respective patron and client economies are all issues in play. In this symposium we propose to combine archaeological and epigraphic approaches in order to unravel deeper layers of what are in some cases entrenched, at others ephemeral, connections. Focusing on the impact of the Kaanul "Snake" kingdom seated at Calakmul, Campeche, Mexico, scholars will collaborate to synergize textual and material data from different polities to help define and delineate the nature of the most pervasive and successful hegemonic network of the Late Classic Maya.