A NEW POSTCLASSIC CHRONOLOGY FOR YAUTEPEC, MORELOS

We describe the derivation of a new archaeological chronology for the Postclassic period at Yautepec, Morelos. We first apply cluster analysis to ceramic type frequencies for 47 excavated contexts to identify groups of related ceramic collections. This classification is then extended to several hundred additional collections using discriminant-function analysis. The groups are evaluated successfully against stratigraphy and radiocarbon dates, resulting in their designation as chronological phases. Radiocarbon determinations are then used to assign calendar dates to the phases. The new chronology consists of one Middle Postclassic phase (Pochtla), two Late Postclassic phases (Atlan, Molotla), and one Early Colonial phase (Santiago). We also explore issues concerning the extension of this chronology to other Postclassic sites in the Yautepec Valley. The past two decades have seen a tremendous growth of research on Aztec society by archaeologists and ethnohistorians. As a re-sult, scholars are now addressing a variety of issues at a level of detail unheard of only 20 years ago. A few examples include house-hold and family organization, social classes, women's roles. do-mestic ritual, craft specialization. agricultural intensification, the expansion of the Triple Alliance empire, and the nature of city