Evaluating evidence for warfare and environmental stress in settlement pattern data from the Malpaso valley, Zacatecas, Mexico

Abstract

Researchers have suggested that warfare and environmental factors were key influences on the late Classic (ca. AD 500–900) settlement of the Malpaso valley. Scenarios of violent conflict at varying scales have been proposed, supported by evidence of defensive attributes and abundant mortuary remains at the valley’s principal center, La Quemada. In addition, it has been argued that the location of the valley increased its vulnerability to drought conditions through time, provoking or exacerbating conflict over resources. To evaluate the likelihood of these scenarios, I examine settlement pattern data from the valley. I propose a set of general expectations for site configuration and location for each of the proposed warfare models and then evaluate the degree to which the archaeological settlement conforms to each. I then investigate the role of environment in influencing site location using GIS software to identify areas most suitable for dryland agriculture based on proximity to soil type and available moisture. My findings suggest that if warfare occurred in the valley, it was most likely interregional conflict between large centers. I also find that for the majority of the sites in the valley, location is more readily explained by agricultural than defensive concerns.