In this review, we examine the earliest states in Mesoamerica and how they developed. We present a definition of the state and explain why first-generation or primary states have special significance in anthropology and archaeology; we also discuss how anthropological archaeologists can detect the emergence of state organization in the archaeological record. We review the archaeological data bearing on early state formation in Oaxaca, the Southern Gulf Coast, the Southeastern Lowlands, and the Basin of Mexico. Although we acknowledge that more data are needed from all regions, we conclude that Oaxaca currently provides the most compelling evidence of primary state formation in Mesoamerica. Copyright © 2004 by Annual Reviews. All rights reserved.
CITATION STYLE
Spencer, C. S., & Redmond, E. M. (2004). Primary state formation in Mesoamerica. Annual Review of Anthropology, 33, 173–199. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.anthro.33.070203.143823
Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.