%0 Journal Article
%T Constructing a kingdom: Architectural strategies and the nature of leadership at Postclassic Xaltocan, Mexico
%A Kirby Farah
%J Journal of Social Archaeology
%@ 1741-2951
%D 2019
%R 10.1177/1469605318795519
%X This paper explores the diverse motivations, limitations, and political strategies that informed the architectural decisions made by the Postclassic (ad 900¨C1521) leaders of Xaltocan, Mexico. In the early 13th century¡ªa period of political florescence at Xaltocan¡ªlocal leaders embarked on an ambitious building program that included the construction of a monumental adobe platform which served as a base to the residential structures of Xaltocan¡¯s leaders. This paper investigates the significance of adobe bricks as a construction medium and outlines the various economic, social, and political factors that influenced the architectural decisions of Xaltocan¡¯s leaders. Analysis of these factors reveals the diverse strategies employed by Xaltocan¡¯s leaders to establish their legitimacy among their regional peers, assert their political dominance over their constituents, and foster a sense of unity within their home community
%K Social organization
%K authority
%K identity
%K architecture
%K archaeology of communities
%K Postclassic Mexico
%U https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1469605318795519