The Casas Grandes Polity in the International Four Corners

Archaeological evidence from the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Archaeological Zone of Paquimé (Casas Grandes), reveals that this prehistoric settlement was one of the most highly centralized political systems in northern Mexico and the Southwestern United States. Located in northwestern Chihuahua, Casas Grandes exhibited significant economic differentiation and centralization during its Diablo phase, suggesting an increase in population and complexity compared to earlier periods. The study highlights the nonsubsistence economy, particularly focusing on ritual architecture and trade, which positioned Casas Grandes as a major trading hub known as 'a fallen trading center of the Gran Chichimeca.' This research underscores the advanced sociopolitical organization and economic strategies of prehistoric societies in the region.

Minnis, P. E. (2019). The Casas Grandes Polity in the International Four Corners. The Sociopolitical Structure of Prehistoric Southwestern Societies, 269–305. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429314612-10