The Lords of Lambityeco

The Valley of Oaxaca was unified under the rule of Monte Alban until its collapse around AD 800. Using findings from John Paddock's long-term excavations at Lambityeco from 1961 to 1976, Michael Lind and Javier Urcid examine the political and social organisation 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 Alban that led to the fall of the Zapotec state. Using detailed analysis of elite and common houses, tombs, and associated artefacts, the authors demonstrate increased political control by Monte Alban over Lambityeco prior to the abandonment of both settlements. Lambityeco is the most thoroughly researched Classic period site in the valley after Monte Alban, but only a small number of summary articles have been published about this important locale. This, in combination with Lambityeco's status as a secondary centre -- one that allows for greater understanding of core and periphery dynamics in the Monte Alban state -- makes "The Lords of Lambityeco" a welcome and significant contribution to the literature on ancient Mesoamerica.