Work

Cultural Dimensions of Warfare in the Maya World

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Archaeological studies worldwide have revealed a wide range of cultural contexts within which practices of violence and warfare have occurred. In Mesoamerica, ongoing studies have enriched our understanding of social contexts of violence and warfare in Maya societies. This expanding body of field data allows deeper exploration of the ways violence was intricately linked to different aspects of cultural life for many Maya communities. In this article, we contemplate the culturally embedded nature of violence and warfare with a specific focus on the Classic period and questions related to political strategy, ritual practices, and total warfare. We provide empirical frameworks for the study of war to address issues of ritual warfare and societal impact, and we emphasize a regional scale of analysis.

Source: Ancient Mesoamerica

DOI: 10.1017/s0956536121000377

Authors: Nam C. Kim, Christopher Hernandez, Justin Bracken, Kenneth Seligson

Institutions: University of Wisconsin–Madison, Loyola University Chicago, The Graduate Center, CUNY, California State University, Dominguez Hills

Language: English

Topic: Historical Studies in Central America

Subfield: History

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,255