9408629 Smith Under the direction of Dr. Michael Smith, Ms. Lisa Cascio will collect data for her doctoral dissertation. She will conduct archaeological research in the Yautepec Valley of Morelos Mexico and focus on sites from the Classic period when the nearby Teotihuacan expire reached its maximum extent. She, her advisor Dr Smith, and crew will conduct a pedestrian survey of the entire valley floor and foothills. All sites will be identified and mapped. Surface collections of ceramic and other cultural materials will be made and test pits will be placed in a representative series of sites. Artifact analyses will be conducted and ceramics identified by type. X-ray florescence will be used to analyze chemical composition and determine sherds of non-local origin. Based on these data, Ms. Cascio will examine the relationship between the Yautepec region and the Teotihuacan empire of which it formed a part. In prehistoric times, empires which incorporated large geographical areas and diverse peoples under their control developed in many parts of both Old and New Worlds. While archaeologists have documented this phenomenon, relatively little is understood about how central control was established and maintained. Prior research has indicated that the Yautepec Valley lies at the edge of Teotihuacan control and therefore it provides an excellent context to examine this issue. Based on the archaeological literature, Ms. Cacsio has formulated several models and the data she collects will allow her to evaluate these. This research is important for several reasons. Very little archaeological work has been done in this region and the results will be of interest to many archaeologists. The work will shed new light on how complex societies develop and are maintained and will assist in the training of a promising young scientist. ***
