The cultural, religious and commercial centers of Alta Vista, Chalchihuites, Mexico and Cajamarquilla, Lima, Peru:: A comparative study of complex societies

Abstract

Comparative studies have, on the one hand, the characteristic of offering a broader view of the site or object of study as opposed to a particularistic form of observation. On the other hand, how do we measure or define social complexity in areas where less cultural development is assumed and when it exists, it almost always flourishes hand in hand with another with more social capacity that encourages change and complexity through the introduction of certain patterns or elements. The function of the archaeological sites, object of this research, is directly related to the development of social complexity in areas that are not environmentally conducive, but which led to important cultural, religious and commercial centers at the regional level, and in some cases, they tend to define cultural complexes / cultures / traditions.