Socio-economic characterisation of the Maya elites during the Terminal classic (AD 800-950/1000) : the B-Southern Groupe in Naachtun (Guatemala) ; La caractérisation socio-économique des élites mayas au Classique terminal (800-950/1000 apr. J.C.) : le Groupe B-Sud de Naachtun (Guatemala)

Abstract

During the Terminal Classic (AD 800-950/1000) the Maya lowlands suffered a crisis period characterized by a series of dramatic events and episodes of warfare. These, combined with cycles of drought, resulted in far-reaching transformations, including the fall of the royal dynasties. The way the population adapted both politically and economically to those changes varied considerably from one region to the next, and remains poorly understood. The present research focuses on the Maya site of Naachtun (Guatemala), which provides a particularly interesting case-study, given that during this period it suffered a significiant population decline, a reduction in architectural construction, as well as the emergence of new forms of power exercice after the fall of the royal dynasty (AD 750-800). Paradoxaly, the pos-dynamic occupation appears to be more dynamic here than in other centers in the region and certain groups in the site show a relative economic prosperity. This research seeks to identify such prosperity as well as the relationship between the various social entities that occupied the epicenter's large indices of related goods. This study also determines the strategies implemented by those elite groups in order to adapt to the disturbed context that prevailed in the Maya area. Special attention is paid to activities implying long-distance trade with their radically changing works. ; Au Classique terminal (800-950/1000 apr. J.C.), les Basses Terres mayas connurent une période de crise marquée par une série d'événements dramatiques et d'épisodes guerriers combinée à des cycles de sécheress entraînant de profondes transformations, dont la chute des dynasties royales. Très diversifiées et localisées, les modalités d'adaptation politique et économique des entités restent encore mal comprises. La présente recherche porte sur le site de Naachtun (Guatemala), un cas d'étude particulièrement intéressant car la période y est caractérisée par un fort déclin démographique, de faibles investissements constructifs et ...