Post-Classic stage

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The Post-Classic Stage is an archaeological term describing a particular developmental level. This stage is the fifth of five stages defined by Gordon Willey and Philip Phillips' 1958 book Method and Theory in American Archaeology. The term is still used in Mesoamerican archaeology, but has fallen into disuse elsewhere.

The Post-Classic Stage was initially defined as restricted to the complex societies of Mesoamerica and Peru.

Cultures of the Post-Classic Stage are defined distinctly by possessing developed metallurgy. Social organization is supposed to involve complex urbanism and militarism. Ideologically, Post-Classic cultures are described as showing a tendency towards the secularization of society.

Examples of cultures considered to be Post-Classic include the Aztecs and the late Maya.

For more details, see List of archaeological periods (North America) and Mesoamerican chronology.