This grant permits Dr. Hodge to analyze ceramic mateials from 372 Valley of Mexico sites which date to the Aztec period. She will divide the sample into "Early" and "Late" Aztec periods and then study diagnostic decorated sherds to compare their distribution across sites. By examining shared elements between sites and setting these relationships into a geographical context, it should be possible to determine patterns of site interaction and show how these changed over time. Documentary sources describe the overall organization of the Aztec empire but provide few details about the effects of the empire on local economic systems. This project will investigate the organization of production and distribution of utilitarian goods. Sites and polities participating in the same ceramic distribution systems will be mapped and patterns of exchange delineated. Dr. Hodge will determine the relationship of Early Aztec political boundaries to ceramic distribution systems and evaluate changes in existing economic systems that occurred as the valley became politically unified by the Aztec empire. This research is important because it sheds light on the interaction between local economic and political factors in the rise of complex civilations. It will increase our understanding of how "simple" state-level societies develop and function and how economic systems change as political power is centralized. The data may help explain how some third world countries function today.
