The discovery lends physical evidence to long-standing theories regarding Tiwanaku’s influence beyond its core territory. There has been debate among scholars regarding the extent of the civilization’s power, but Palaspata now offers definitive proof of state-level investment in peripheral infrastructure.

Isn’t that pretty much established already though? I mean, the 600~1000 CE boil down to Tiahuanaco and Huari splitting the Andes, with both being powerful enough to discourage an invasion from each other. And it’s well-established that the Huari had fairly decent peripheral infra-structure, so odds are Tiahuanaco was the same in this aspect.