When Elites Wage War: Violence and Social Coercion Along the Chaco Meridian

Abstract

Chaco Canyon, Aztec Ruins, and Paquime represent large, complex, and some suggest sequential sites in the prehistoric Greater Southwest. Chaco Canyon and Paquime, in particular, were both characterized by architectural complexity, an impressive range of material culture, increasing population size and an influx of migrants during the peak of their populations. Despite this, skeletal evidence suggests that there was also an increase in strife, inequality, and violence. This has been attributed to a ruling class of high status individuals or elites who needed to use increasingly violent forms of social coercion to maintain control. The presence of these elites has been account for at each of these three sites, as has the evidence of their violent control. Despite this, Chaco Canyon has often times been considered to be a relatively “peaceful” period in prehistory though analysis of skeletal remains suggests otherwise. Paquime, however, has been considered a very violent place, with evidence of endemic warfare and violent throughout its occupation. Analysis of the skeletal remains from these three sites suggests that women and children were not buffered from this violence and trauma. A high level of malnutrition among nonelite individuals was present at Chaco Canyon, as is levels of nonlethal violence, despite its supposedly peaceful nature. Malnutrition and nonlethal trauma among nonelites was found at Aztec Ruins as well. At Paquime, there is evidence of malnutrition among nonelites, as well as evidence that elite individuals were targeting nonelite women and children for sacrifice.