Mesoamerican Archaeology

“The collection of studies in this volume is a perfect blend of contemporary archaeological theory and methods, ideal for any student of Mesoamerican Archaeology.”
Lisa M. Johnson, Assistant Professor-in-Residence, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

“Beyond an introduction to Mesoamerican archaeology, this volume skilfully introduces students to key anthropological and archaeological theories in both a clear and critical manner.”
Adela Amaral, Assistant Professor, The College of William & Mary

“The contributors to this work have a wide array of expertise and experience and are truly innovative thinkers, bringing fresh perspectives to long-standing archaeological questions and theoretical debates. The authors provide rich and empirically grounded discussions of cutting-edge research with deep theoretical engagement. It is a valuable resource for anyone studying Mesoamerican archaeology.”
Lisa Delance, Professor, University of La Verne

Mesoamerican Archaeology: Theory and Practice, Second Edition, brings together the perspectives of a team of leading international experts in the field of Mesoamerican archaeology, providing readers with a diverse and well-balanced view of the archaeology of the indigenous societies of Mexico and Central America. The fully updated second edition incorporates contemporary research that reflects new approaches and trends in Mesoamerican archaeology. New and revised chapters from first-time and returning authors cover the archaeology of Mesoamerican cultural history, from the early Gulf Coast Olmec, to the Classic and Postclassic Maya, to the cultures of Oaxaca and Central Mexico before and after colonization, representing a wide spectrum of perspectives and approaches to Mesoamerican archaeology.

Offering a unique approach to the textbook format, this valuable text helps students understand key concepts and engage with contemporary debates within the field. Presenting a wide range of approaches that illustrate political, socio-economic, and symbolic interpretations, this textbook encourages students to consider diverse ways of thinking about Mesoamerica—as a linguistic area, as a geographic region, and as a network of communities of practice—and enables readers to think critically about how explanations of the past are produced, verified, and debated. The new edition includes chapters on resiliency, cultural reconstitution, and individual identity and agency, and offers new material that examines recent bioarchaeological research on daily life.

Carefully designed to provide accessible introductory material for students and non-specialists, Mesoamerican Archaeology: Theory and Practice, Second Edition, is ideal for use in undergraduate courses on the archaeology of Mexico and Central America, as well as for broader courses on the archaeology of the Americas.