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The 'Classic Stage' is an archaeological term describing a particular developmental level. This stage is the fourth of five stages defined by Gordon Willey and Philip Phillips' 1958 book ''Method and Theory in American Archaeology''. For more details, see List of archaeological periods (North America) and Mesoamerican chronology. The term is still used in Mesoamerican archaeology, but has fallen into disuse elsewhere.
The Classic Stage was initially defined as restricted to the complex societies of Mesoamerica and Peru.
Cultures of the Classic Stage are supposed to possess craft specialization and the beginnings of metallurgy. Social organization is supposed to involve the beginnings of urbanism and large ceremonial centers. Ideologically, Classic cultures should have a developed theocracy.
Examples of cultures considered to be Classic include Teotihuacan and the early Maya.