Description
Since its first edition in 1990, Ancient North America has been praised as a definitive synthesis of North American archaeology. The third edition continues the tradition in an extensive revision that includes new material on climate change and its effect on West Coast societies, additional coverage on the importance of ideology and power in Mississippian chiefdoms such as Cahokia and Moundville, and information on the latest discoveries in the Arctic and along the northwest coast. The entire book has been updated from cover to cover, with new references and many changes that reflect important advances in North American archaeology. This edition remains a unique, authoritative overview of a complex subject, written in the jargon-free style that is the hallmark of Professor Fagan's writings.
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Provides a narrative account of what is known of the diverse ancient societies of North America, from first settlement before 12,000 BC up to European contact and beyond. Narrative description is balanced with explanation, with an introductory summary of major theoretical developments in North American archaeology, and discussion of specific controversies and theoretical insights interwoven throughout. Assumes a previous course in basic archaeological principles and terminology. This third edition offers updated material on theory, calibrated chronology, climate change, and Mississippian ideology and socio- political change. Includes many b&w photos of artifacts and key figures. Fagan teaches anthropology at the University of California- Santa Barbara. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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