The center cannot hold: A Bayesian chronology for the collapse of Tiwanaku
Anthropology Guest Speaker
Friday April 18th
Noon-1:30 Center Bldg 200 Classroom
Erik Marsh, Ph.D.
CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo
The center cannot hold: A Bayesian chronology for the collapse of Tiwanaku
Tiwanaku, known as ‘the stone in the center,’ was one of the Andes’ first cities. In the 600–900s CE, it became famous for its decorated ceramics, residential compounds, carved monoliths, and stone monuments. Its collapse has long been debated, with imprecise chronologies, apocalyptic scenarios have overshadowed data. Did drought really cause Tiwanaku to collapse? To answer this question, we engage the third radiocarbon revolution: Bayesian models. We take a fresh look at the site’s 102 radiocarbon dates (including 45 recently published dates). We identify a century of ritualized murders prior to a rapid, city-wide collapse around 1010–1050 CE. This precise estimate means that residents abandoned the city well before any major climatic changes. So Tiwanaku’s breakdown cannot be explained by drought. This leads us to explore possible social dynamics that drove changes during accelerated turning point in Andean history.
Community archaeology on the altiplano: an update on the John Janusek Regional Research Center in Qhunqhu Liqiliqi
The late John Janusek, a former Vanderbilt professor, worked closely with the community Qhunqhu Liqiliqi for nearly two decades on the Bolivian altiplano. Community outreach was an integral part of his research program. Since 2023, we have been continuing this work with a recently completed regional research center. This building will house artifacts and can host researchers and local university students. Moreover, its doors are open to the local community so it can both share and learn about its deep past.
