On the Edge of Empire? Settlement Changes in Chacalapan, Southern Veracruz, Mexico, during the Classic and Postclassic Periods

Abstract

This study combines ethnohistorical and archaeological evidence to investigate the social and political development of the region of Chacalapan during the Classic and Post-Classic periods (AD300-1520). The ethnohistorical evidence is taken from both Mexico and Spain and reveals the extent of imperial control in the Post-Classic period. The archaeological evidence which consists of data from excavations and artefactual analysis traces the integration of the area into a hierarchical settlement system during the Classic period.