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A New Postclassic Chronology for Yautepec, Morelos

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 October 2008

Timothy S. Hare
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
Michael E. Smith
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA

Abstract

We describe the derivation of a new archaeological chronology for the Postclassic period at Yautepec, Morelos. We first apply cluster analysis to ceramic type frequencies for 47 excavated contexts to identify groups of related ceramic collections. This classification is then extended to several hundred additional collections using discriminant-function analysis. The groups are evaluated successfully against stratigraphy and radiocarbon dates, resulting in their designation as chronological phases. Radiocarbon determinations are then used to assign calendar dates to the phases. The new chronology consists of one Middle Postclassic phase (Pochtla), two Late Postclassic phases (Atlan, Molotla), and one Early Colonial phase (Santiago). We also explore issues concerning the extension of this chronology to other Postclassic sites in the Yautepec Valley.

Type
Special Section: Recent Chronological Research in Central Mexico
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1996

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