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News Release 10-060
New Research Finds Bureaucracy Linked to a Nation's Growth
A state's collective organizational structure, procedures and protocols develop hand-in-hand with "predatory" expansion
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Two of the conquest inscriptions on Building J (ca. 100 BC). Each inscription shows an upside
down head with closed eyes signifying conquest on the bottom, a "hill" glyph signifying generalized place in the middle, and a third element on top that varies among inscriptions signifying specific place name.
Credit: Charles S. Spencer, AMNH, used with permission
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The main plaza of Monte Albán. Building J in the foreground features some 40 stone slabs inscribed with conquest inscriptions.
Credit: Charles S. Spencer, AMNH, used with permission.
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The residential portion of a royal palace dating to 300-100 B.C. excavated at the El Palenque site near San Martín Tilcajete, Oaxaca. Oaxaca specialists argue the presence of royal palaces is one archaeological indicator of state organization. It is likely that a similar, though probably larger, palace existed at Monte Albán itself during this time period. For the time being, this is the earliest palace thus far excavated in Oaxaca. The excavation is
directed by Charles Spencer and Elsa Redmond of the American Museum of Natural History with funding from the National Science Foundation.
Credit: Charles S. Spencer, AMNH, used with permission.
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