Timing of precolumbian militarization in the U.S. Midwest and Southeast

Krus, A. M. (2016) Timing of precolumbian militarization in the U.S. Midwest and Southeast. American Antiquity, 81(2), pp. 375-388. (doi: 10.7183/0002-7316.81.2.375)

Abstract

Bayesian chronological modeling is used to investigate the chronology of bastioned palisades during the precolumbian period in the Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Nine precolumbian settlements in the Midwest and Southeast with bastioned palisades have been subject to scientific dating (Angel Mounds, Annis Village, Aztalan, Cahokia Mounds, Etowah, Kincaid Mounds, Jonathan Creek, Moundville, and Southwind). Complete radiocarbon datasets from these sites are presented within an interpretative Bayesian statistical framework. The results provide a glimpse into the history of Mississippi period (A.D. 1000–1700) fortifications with bastions and indicate that the analyzed fortifications were built and maintained predominantly in A.D. 1200–1400. This finding suggests a greater institutionalized role for defense and warfare in post-A.D. 1200 Mississippian societies. Additionally, modeling results further indicate that the investigated Mississippian centers continued to maintain fortifications for generations after their construction.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Krus, Dr Anthony
• Authors: Krus, A. M.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre
• Journal Name: American Antiquity
• Publisher: Society for American Archaeology
• ISSN: 0002-7316
• ISSN (Online): 2325-5064
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2016 Society for American Archaeology
• First Published: First published in American Antiquity 81(2):375-388
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher