This book for young people (age 10 and up) tells the story of the development of cities via an examination of four major ancient American ones—Cahokia, Tenochtitlan, Cuzco, and Copán. They are then compared to some modern cities like St. Louis and Mexico City. Along the way, common themes including military prowess, economic viability, and religion are examined. The importance of managing resources is a central theme. Richly illustrated, this work is a fascinating introduction to complex development in the Americas and its pitfalls.
Author Anthony Aveni is a distinguished professor of astronomy and archaeology at Colgate University, where he helped develop the field of archaeoastronomy. His depth of knowledge makes this much more than an ordinary children’s book. Parents and teachers will want to share this volume with their children to develop an interest in archaeology and human development.
