essay

Ancient urbanism at Xochicalco: the evolution and organization of a pre-Hispanic society

University of Utah Press1 • Published In 2000 • Pages: xvi, 321

By: Hirth, Kenn.

Abstract
Hirth presents the results of his field work in western Morelos and at the site of Xochicalco. He and his team mapped the architectural remains at the site of Xochicalco and the surrounding countryside, conducted systematic surface collection, excavated a few areas within the site, and later collected obsidian samples from quarry sites in central Mexico in order to source the obsidian. This volume presents an overview of the site's urban development and evolution. Hirth is able to examine such things as architecture and household size; estimate the population for the main site and the surrounding area; look at craft specialization, Xochicalco's economy, and long distance trade; examine community organization and probable [n]calpulli[/n] divisions; and propose some working hypotheses as to why the site developed in such a marginal area.
Subjects
Settlements
Structures
Exchange and transfers
Demography
Archaeological survey methods
tradition
Central Mexico Postclassic
HRAF PubDate
2009
Region
Middle America and the Caribbean
Sub Region
Central Mexico
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Archaeologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Sarah Berry; 2008
Field Date
off and on from 1976 to 1995
Coverage Date
1350 BP-1100 BP(650 AD-900 AD)
Coverage Place
Xochicalco, Morelos, central Mexico
Notes
Kenneth Hirth
Includes bibliographical references and index
LCCN
99027545
LCSH
Indians of Mexico--Mexico--Xochicalco--Antiquities/Indians of Mexico--Urban residence--Mexico--Xochicalco/City planning--Mexico--Xochicalco--History/Excavations (Archaeology)--Mexico--Xochicalco--Maps/Archaeological surveying--Mexico--Xochicalco--Maps/Xochicalco Site (Mexico)/Xochicalco (Mexico)--Antiquities