For many people, the word “archaeology” conjures up images of monuments, often interpreted as traces of the lives of powerful rulers who can seem to be inevitable parts of any urban, agricultural society. But there are other stories archaeology can tell about societies in which there was no apparent ruler, but nevertheless show the hallmarks of “complexity.” This lecture explores one such society, the ancient Ulúa culture of northern Honduras, neighbors to Classic Maya states. In Ulúa culture, people used religion to reinforce social relations in a society of wealthy farmers who enjoyed artworks of extraordinary beauty… without rulers. Please join us in-person to watch this livestreamed Zoom lecture.