Davide Domenici Book order

This volume pays homage to Robert McCormick Adams, emerging from a conference at the University of Bologna marking the fiftieth anniversary of his influential work on urban society. It features contributions from scholars exploring ancient urbanism across various regions and theoretical perspectives, aiming to foster cross-cultural dialogue and methodological exchange. The book begins with a theoretical exploration of cooperation, collective action, and social networks, followed by an analysis of Teotihuacan urbanism through its mural paintings. The outreach of Late Uruk culture beyond southern Mesopotamia is examined in relation to the rise of Late Chalcolithic elites, focusing on large-scale resource distribution networks. Additionally, the implications of surface surveys for early Syro-Mesopotamian urbanism are considered within the context of two new field projects, while water management is analyzed through a case study in Central Asia. The volume also contextualizes Adams’ contributions from 2000 to 2012, culminating in a comprehensive bibliography that underscores his significant impact on various research areas, particularly the study of ancient urbanized landscapes.

The volume is dedicated to the Olmec and the Maya, the two main Mesoamerican civilizations that developed in the tropical regions, the green heart of the southeast.

Modern peoples have always been fascinated with the iconic architecture, mystical religious beliefs, and once-thriving societies of the ancient Aztecs. From the fertile areas of the Oaxaca Valley and the Valley of Mexico to the great deserts of the north, this authoritative resource explores the development of the ancient civilizations of the Aztecs and their predecessors. Organized chronologically, it describes the native cultures, from the earliest farming villages to the establishment of great states and urban civilizations such as Teotihuacan and Monte Alban. By investigating the connections between these civilizations and the more obscure civilizations of northern Mexico, it offers readers insight into the birth of new cultures such as the Toltec Empire. An engagingly written, thoroughly researched text and superb photography explore, in-depth, such topics as the Aztec calendar, religion, society, and political organization, providing fresh insight into the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the Aztecs.

From legendary Teotihuacan to the mysterious El Tajin, from Palenque to Chichen Itza, all the most famous Mexican archaeological sites are presented here. Great architectural complexes, monumental sculptures, sophisticated ceramic objects and superb items of jewelry bear testimony to the culture and refinement of the people who lived in this part of Mewoameric before the arrival of Christopher Columbus.