Cloud People

Kent V. Flannery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan Joyce Marcus, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan

• Introduction to the Percheron Press Edition 1. Theoretical Framework 2. The Common Origin of the Mixtec and Zapotec 3. The Formative Village and the Roots of Divergence 4. The Origins of the State in Oaxaca 5. The Early Urban Period 6. Monte Albán and Teotihuacán 7. The Changing Politics of A.D. 600–900 8. The Postclassic Balkanization of Oaxaca 9. Mixtec and Zapotec at the Time of the Spanish Conquest: Some 10. Similarities and Differences Summary and Conclusions Appendix References Index

'Brilliantly synthesizes the rich, diachronic record of prehispanic Oaxaca, Mexico, from the region’s first inhabitants to the Spanish conquest. The Cloud People remains a classic, a cornerstone of any library with an interest in ancient Mexico or social evolution.' (Gary M. Feinman, The Field Museum) 'The Cloud People revolutionized the world of Oaxacan archaeology. This classic in the literature of Mesoamerican prehistory is the major resource on Oaxacan prehistory and should be present on the bookshelves of everyone interested in prehispanic Mesoamerica.' (David C. Grove, University of Illinois at Urbana) 'The Cloud People represents an outstanding example of the power of an integrated historical anthropology. Flannery and Marcus’s use of a phylogenetic approach directly and positively influenced my own work in Oceania and should appeal to anyone who is interested in the holistic methods of historical anthropology. It remains a classic in the field.' (Patrick V. Kirch, University of California at Berkeley) 'In the two decades since The Cloud People was first published, it has not lost any of its luster or importance for the field of archaeology. A highly useful and stimulating exemplar of the key role that regional archaeological studies can play in elucidating the historic background of modern cultural differences.' (Jeremy A. Sabloff, University of Pennsylvania) 'The Cloud People is a ‘classic’ text in that it effectively captures the spirit of its times. In its enduring power to stimulate thought and debate, however, this volume is timeless.' (Edward Schortman, Kenyon College) 'The collection of innovative papers in the superbly edited and beautifully illustrated Cloud People makes this volume essential for Mesoamerican scholars and interested students wishing to understand the origins and evolution of the Zapotec and Mixtec civilizations of Oaxaca.' (Evon Z. Vogt, Harvard University)