postclassic

Postclassic is a periodization term used in archaeology and historiography to designate the era that follows a culture’s classical period. The label is most commonly applied to Mesoamerican chronology, but it is used in other regions as well to describe a late, transitional phase between a defined classical synthesis and later historic periods or outside contact.

In Mesoamerica the Postclassic generally spans roughly from the late first millennium CE to the time of European contact. Dates vary by region: in the Maya area the Postclassic is often dated from around 900 to 1521 CE, while in central Mexico it is typically placed from about 1200 CE to 1521 CE. The period is marked by changes in political organization, economic networks, and urban life. Some centers decline while others rise, new forms of alliance and militarization emerge, and trade routes shift. Religious practice often evolves, with continued devotion to traditional deities alongside new cults and rituals. Fortifications and architectural styles reflect evolving political and military concerns in various sites.

Outside of Mesoamerica, the term postclassic is used in a more regional and less standardized way to describe late phases of civilizations after their classical era, often preceding or overlapping with early historic or medieval periods. Because the exact dates and characteristics are regionally specific and subject to interpretation, researchers emphasize the fluidity of the label and the importance of local archaeological and documentary evidence when applying it.