Mapping Teotihuacan’s Inception: Patlachique Phase Ceramics Distribution on the Lidar Map

Summary

This is an abstract from the "SAA 2021: General Sessions" session, at the 86th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

The Patlachique Phase (100 BCE–ca.100 CE) is underrepresented in the archaeological record since most sites were probably covered by the Classic Period city of Teotihuacan (200–550 CE). This phase likely represents the beginning of the urbanization process in the Teotihuacan Valley, during a period of exponential growth seen in Central Mexico. We examined the spatial distribution of Patlachique architecture and material culture using lidar data, collected in 2015 by the Project Plaza of the Columns Complex (PPCC), and the surface survey ceramics collected during the 2017–2018 PPCC field seasons. A density analysis of our data indicates the existence of multiple possible civic-ceremonial structures related to the Patlachique Phase, suggesting the lack of a preeminent core and several possible autonomous groups existing during this time. The final spatial distribution map of this phase will allow us to inquire about the nature of these sites, and their role in the dynamics of Central Mexico during the Terminal Formative Period (100 BCE–200 CE). This work will expand on previous research conducted by groups led by René Millon and William T. Sanders in the 1960–1970s and will help to identify the maximum extent of this phase in the Teotihuacan Valley.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 86th Annual Meeting, Online (2021)   •
• SAA 2021: General Sessions

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 32711