Ritual anti-structure as an alternate pathway to social complexity? The case of ancient Teotihuacan, Central Mexico

Ancient Teotihuacan, one of the most influential cities in Mesoamerica, challenges traditional narratives of social complexity by suggesting that ritual anti-structures—spaces and practices that subvert or complement hierarchical power—played a pivotal role in its rise. This study proposes that rather than relying solely on political centralization, Teotihuacan's social organization thrived through the interplay between structured authority and ritualized dissent, creating a dynamic balance that sustained its unprecedented scale and influence. The research employs archaeological evidence, including spatial analysis of ceremonial structures and material culture, to argue for an alternative pathway to complexity rooted in the tension between order and anti-structure.

Froese, T. (2018). Ritual anti-structure as an alternate pathway to social complexity? The case of ancient Teotihuacan, Central Mexico. Material Religion, 14(3), 420–422. https://doi.org/10.1080/17432200.2018.1485346