2019 by University Press of Colorado
Published by University Press of Colorado
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The University Press of Colorado is a cooperative publishing enterprise supported, in part, by Adams State University, Colorado State University, Fort Lewis College, Metropolitan State University of Denver, University of Colorado, University of Northern Colorado, University of Wyoming, Utah State University, and Western Colorado University.
ISBN: 978-1-60732-886-5 (cloth)
ISBN: 978-1-60732-887-2 (ebook)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5876/9781607328872
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Morton, Shawn, editor. | Peuramaki-Brown, Meaghan, editor.
Title: Seeking conflict in Mesoamerica : operational, cognitive, and experiential approaches / Shawn G. Morton, Meaghan M. Peuramaki-Brown.
Description: Louisville : University Press of Colorado, 2019. | Includes bibliographical references and index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2019025989 (print) | LCCN 2019025990 (ebook) | ISBN 9781607328865 (cloth) | ISBN 9781607328872 (ebook)
Subjects: LCSH: MayasWars. | MayasAntiquities. | Indians of Central AmericaWars. | Indians of Central AmericaAntiquities.
Classification: LCC F1435.3.W2 S44 2019 (print) | LCC F1435.3.W2 (ebook) | DDC 972.81dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2019025989
LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2019025990
Cover illustration: Conquest of the Tzutujils at the Battle of Tecpan Atitln. Lienzo de Tlaxcala (15811585). Copy by Alfredo Chavero, 1979.
Dedicated to our siblings, Caitlin Peuramaki-Brown and Andrew Morton, for a childhood of practice in the art of light combat and other forms of conflict.
The process of conflict
Map of Mesoamerica, denoting prominent sites/locations discussed in this volume
Don Pedro de Alvarado
Conquest of the Tzutujils at the Battle of Tecpan Atitln
Chiya, located atop the small hill at the base of Volcn San Pedro
Virgin Mary, Cofrada of San Gregorio, Santiago Atitlan
Santiago, central altarpiece, Santiago Atitlan church
Aztec symbol of conquest
Mixtec conquest of a pillar that holds the sky
Venus/star hieroglyph
Maya stela from the Chiapas highlands showing a noble warrior brandishing a spear and shield on a ritual mountain
Maya vessel from Balankanch Cave, Yucatn, depicting a Tlaloc warrior
Group A at Zacpeten
Image of the presentation and torture of captives from the Murals of Bonampak Room 2
Main Group at the Island of Topoxte
tuun stone glyph, witz mountain glyph, and tok flint glyph
Dumbarton Oaks Tablet
tok-pakal icon
Yax Haal Chahk
The deity GI
Kawiil
The deity GIII incensarios
Palenque Tablet of the Sun
u chab u akab phrases
Piedras Negras Stela 7
Piedras Negras Stela 8
Dos Pilas Stela 2
Aguateca Stela 2
Tlaloc
Yaxchilan Lintel 25
Kawiil glyph, Copan Structure 10L-26
Piedras Negras Stela 9
Tlaloc butterfly
Black Witch Moth
Xiuhcoatl and spear
Spearthrower Owl Name
God L
Detail of the Hieroglyphic Stairway, House C, Palenque
War references in Classic Maya inscriptions
Possible reading of T78, 514
Tallies in Maya archaeology and imagery
Relative frequencies of place references in Classic Maya inscriptions
Relative frequencies of place references in specific war-related clause types
Absolute frequencies of place references in specific war-related clause types
Trade routes and political networking of Motul de San Jose rulers
Map of Northern Belize and Central Peten showing key sites
Map of central area of Lamanai, Belize
Stela 9, Lamanai, Belize
The Puuc region and major Puuc sites
Uxmal stela
Middle Formative Puuc acropoli
Example of a popol nah at Kiuic
Early Puuc vaulted building from Kiuics Yaxche Palace, circa 700800 CE
Terminal Classic palace at Labna, 800950 CE , Puuc mosaic style
Puuc sites with conflict-oriented iconography
Eastern Puuc conflict iconography
Small Teotihuacan-style stela from Guerrero with imperial iconography
Fragment of column from the North Platform (Vertice Geodesico) at Monte Alban with Teotihuacano warrior with square shield, spearthrower, and darts
The North Wall of the Prtico de los Cuchillos, Structure 1, El Rosario
Torches from El Rosario and Teotihuacan
Teotihuacan-style headdresses incorporating torches
Warrior-priest from the mural in Room 1 at Teopancaxco, detail of the warrior-priest from Teopancaxco, feather-rimmed halved star with elaborate water or blood droplet, and stars combined with skulls with blood droplets gushing from their mouths
Speech scrolls with hearts and darts
Detail of Monument 2 from Cerro Tortuga (Oaxaca) with Teotihuacano warrior with speech scroll
Possible references to bleeding hearts
Mirror backings with Teotihuacan-style iconography and comparisons with Teotihuacan imagery
Relative abundance of weapon types
Mixtec spears
Battle scene with axes
4 Lizard with war club
7 Snake wielding a bow with an atlatl
Lord 3 Water with atlatl, darts, and shield
Serpent adorned arrow/atlatl dart
Lord 7 Monkey carrying a bow
Atlatl dart details
Unusual club/mace
Map of Classic Veracruz area with the Tajn-dominated region
El Tajn, South Ballcourt, Southeast Panel, with supernatural donation of arms
Figure processing with red banner, Las Higueras, Veracruz
Plan of the Central Plaza, El Tajn
Mound 4 panel, main carved face
The Central Plaza and Pyramid of the Niches seen from the summit of Mound 4, El Tajn
Prismatic blocks in front of the Pyramid of the Niches, El Tajn
Early Classic (Cacahuatal phase, 350600 CE ) stela from Classic Veracruz