The Lords of Lambityeco

The Valley of Oaxaca was unified under the rule of Monte Albn until its collapse around AD 800. Using findings from John Paddocks long-term excavations at Lambityeco from 1961 to 1976, Michael Lind and Javier Urcid examine the political and social organization of the ancient community during the Xoo Phase (Late Classic period).Focusing on change within this single archaeological period rather than between time periods, The Lords of Lambityeco traces the changing political relationships between Lambityeco and Monte Albn that led to the fall of the Zapotec state. Using detailed analysis of elite and common houses, tombs, and associated artifacts, the authors demonstrate increased political control by Monte Albn over Lambityeco prior to the abandonment of both settlements. Lambityeco is the most thoroughly researched Classic period site in the valley after Monte Albn, but only a small number of summary articles have been published about this important locale. This, in combination with Lambityecos status as a secondary centerone that allows for greater understanding of core and periphery dynamics in the Monte Albn statemakes The Lords of Lambityeco a welcome and significant contribution to the literature on ancient Mesoamerica.