Customer Reviews

Zapotec Civilization: How Urban Society Evolved (New Aspects of Antiquity)

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I really, really, really liked this book. If I could have given it 6 stars I probably would have! The authors of Zapotec Civilization have covered the field nicely for this small segment of the perhistoric Middle American world and have set it clearly amidst the other contemporary cultures of the region, most notably that at Teotihuacan. Kent Flannery is one of THE names in the field of Middle American anthropology and archaeology and the quality of the volume shows why. I am less knowledgeable about Ms Marcus, although the vita provided by the book itself suggests an impressive intellectual treasure here as well. I enjoyed the volume enough to keep it to read another time. A rare kudo, believe me.

What a good enjoyable book. This is how archaeologists should try to write most of the times. A book on a little known part of MExico, archaeologically, written in plain english. It provides a great overview of the origins and the rise of Zapotec Civilization until the abandonment of its main site at Monte Alban ca 700 AD. It also provides a refreshing new approach called actin theory, viewing history as determined by the actions of real people, not untangible forces of the environment or society. Classic.

This is a scholarly work, but written in standard English rather than in Academese. It provides a clear review of the rise and collapse of the Classic Zapotec Civilization. It is also a case study of the cultural evolution of a society from micro-bands to an empire. It is an excellent publication for anyone interested in the Zapotecs and Oaxaca.

I was delighted with the service and the condition of the book itself. I love ordering with independent sellers through Amazon, always a great result.