The Epiclassic outside of the Basin: Measuring Population and Settlement Dynamics in the Puebla-Tlaxcala Valley, Mexico

Summary

This is an abstract from the "Central Mexico after Teotihuacan: Everyday Life and the (Re)Making of Epiclassic Communities" session, at the 86th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

Shared characteristics between settlements create the archaeological classification of the "Epiclassic" in central Mexico. These characteristics include rise in militarism, increase in long-distance networks, the upswing in regional centers vying for power, and a boost in art, architecture, and stylistic composition. Puebla-Tlaxcala experienced these changes that spread across central Mexico during the Epiclassic. The material culture throughout the landscape became more localized and heterogeneous—especially since the Puebla-Tlaxcala valley provides intersecting paths of trade between the Basin, Gulf, Mixtec, and Maya regions. García Cook’s survey data has been used to analyze settlement distribution in the region, which leads to a narrative of population pressure competing for power, influence, and resources—as depicted in the battle mural at Cacaxtla. Though conflicts were likely present, recent surveys show that assumed population density is not exactly accounted for in most of Puebla-Tlaxcala. Epiclassic concentrations center between the settlements of Cholula and Cacaxtla and some occupation at the site of Tepeticpac and at the site of La Loma de Santa Margarita in the north end of the valley. This shortage of population density may help us understand the lack of known occupation in the region during the subsequent Early Postclassic period.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 86th Annual Meeting, Online (2021)   •
• Central Mexico after Teotihuacan: Everyday Life and the (Re)Making of Epiclassic Communities

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 30945