ABSTRACT
The archaeological research indicates that while warfare played a critical role in the rise of early states and their consolidations, endemic warfare also can lead to long-term fragmentation and help block the rise of complex societies by encouraging spiraling rounds of warfare and societal destruction. The archaeological record, in general, and the Valley of Oaxaca case study, in particular, clearly shows that widespread warfare is not a modern or post-Industrial Revolution phenomenon but was pervasive throughout the pre-industrial world. Moreover, the root cause for most warfare was control of resources, especially when key resources were absolutely or relatively scarce. Certainly, modern state warfare is quite different from ancient warfare in weaponry, tactics, and organization. Probably one of the most significant changes is in the nature of leadership. Nevertheless, the basis for much of the warfare around the globe remains the same as it was when Monte Alban began its campaigns to control the land of the Valley of Oaxaca.
