Population trends in the Teotihuacán Valley, A.D. 1400–1969.

Despite abundant data on preconquest sites and population in the Valley of Mexico, recent surveys yielded little information on post‐conquest settlement, sites being classified as either Aztec or modern on the basis of pottery. Through an integrated research project involving surface survey, documentary data (including especially dated site occupation), and studies of recent and modern pottery in the area, sites have now been identified for the whole period 1400–1969. Detailed seriation to establish phases is not yet completed, and absolute population estimates will depend on this. But three main periods can be identified already, and relative population shifts recognized. Contrary to general assumption hitherto, Aztec pottery styles can now be seen to continue well into the seventeenth century: thus the first period, 1400–1650, appears to be one of gradual rather than dramatic population decline. Between 1650 and 1800 ‘modern’ ceramics appear and become increasingly common. During this time, population reached its lowest point, and began to rise again. From 1800 to the present, population has continued to rise, with minor fluctuations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]