Understanding Wari State Expansion: A “Bottom-Up” Approach at the Village of Ak'Awillay, Cusco, Peru

Research at the village of Ak'Awillay in Cusco, Peru, reveals that Wari state expansion during the Middle Horizon (A.D. 600-1000) had minimal impact on local communities, contrary to traditional 'top-down' models suggesting direct imperial control. Excavations indicate most changes occurred before Wari colonization, with their presence primarily offering new exchange opportunities for local leaders rather than altering daily life significantly. This 'bottom-up' approach provides a nuanced perspective on how ancient states interacted with peripheral regions, suggesting limited influence beyond immediate colonial areas.

Véronique Bélisle. (2015). Understanding Wari State Expansion: A “Bottom-Up” Approach at the Village of Ak’Awillay, Cusco, Peru. Latin American Antiquity, 26(2), 180–199. https://doi.org/10.7183/1045-6635.26.2.180