Pérez de Ribas’ Historia (1645) and the Protohistoric Period in Sonora and Southern Arizona

The protohistoric period along the Arizona-Sonora borderlands is an important yet poorly understood period. Historical sources, particularly Perez de Ribas’ Historia (1645), are discussed along with archaeological data that point to a late prehistoric expansion of the Opata into O'odham lands. Evidence of warfare and invasion is presented that may help explain the appearance of forts and defensive retreats, Sobaipuri origins, and Eudeve/Teguima linguistics.