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Spatial Analysis of Basin of Mexico Settlement: Problems with the Use of the Central Place Model

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Susan T. Evans*
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222

Abstract

In a recent report, Michael Smith proposes that the primary determinant of the settlement pattern of the southeastern Basin of Mexico during the Late Horizon (A.D. 1350-1520) was marketplace exchange. This assumption, and the use of the central place market model in analyzing the pattern, are critically evaluated and found to be unwarranted. A review of data and theory leads to the conclusion that environmental and political factors outweigh commerce in shaping the settlement pattern in this area.

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Comments
Copyright
Copyright © Society for American Archaeology 1980

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References

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