Joel W. Palka discusses the presence of fortifications and temples in Mesoamerica; demonstrates a relationship between Mesoamerican religion and warfare.

Date
Mar 2023
Type
Academic / Technical Report
Source
Joel W. Palka
Non-LDS
Hearsay
Direct
Reference

Joel W. Palka, "Mesoamerican Warfare, Protecting Divinities, and Fortified Sanctuaries," Journal of Anthropological Research 79 no. 1 (March 2023): 51-101

Scribe/Publisher
Journal of Anthropological Research
People
Joel W. Palka
Audience
Reading Public
Transcription

Fortified sites, sanctuaries, deities, and community were interconnected in Mesoamerican warfare practices and theology. This article examines the archaeological patterning and Indigenous religious beliefs regarding fortifications, sanctuaries, and deity communication. Ethnohistoric and ethnographic information points to the importance of deities and ancestors for community well-being and success in war. Mesoamerican combatants protected deities, including their images and sanctuary homes, for they were often captured or destroyed during sieges. Site fortification was based not only on pragmatic military purposes, but on culturally practical decisions related to protecting deities and divine intercession that influenced human behavior and community practices. As in other areas, Mesoamerican people maintained covenants with spiritual forces in close proximity at sacred “communicating places” in wartime, such as temples in settlements and sanctuaries at hills and caves. Hence, fortifications protected people, their shrines, and their gods, as well as militarily strategic places. This study calls attention to additional religious behaviors in Mesoamerican war besides sacrifice to war gods and for cosmic renewal, which went hand-in-hand with political, military, and community concerns.

Citations in Mormonr Qnas
Copyright © B. H. Roberts Foundation
The B. H. Roberts Foundation is not owned by, operated by, or affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.