North America -- Mound Builders and Cliff Dwellers: Mound Builders and Cliff Dwellers

Author: Brown
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2004-01-01
Features: The volumes of Lost Civilizations showcase the trajectory of the origins and early transformations of civilizations, long forgotten by later generations. Reading them is like adults revisiting old photographs of their childhood—each scene evoking a faint recollection. This series can be enjoyed as an art album while also serving as a reference for travelers to the world, helping them understand the must-see historical sites and landmarks. The process of civilization's development is never simple or linear. No ancient civilization in history has escaped multiple twists and turns, or even regression. Some civilizations ultimately faded away and were lost. Many creations of civilizations vanished in the flow of time, reappearing only after many generations. People call archaeology the search for lost civilizations precisely for this reason—under the spades and trowels of archaeologists, countless unexpected discoveries have been made. Many things traditionally thought to belong only to modern times actually have ancient origins. The designers of Pueblo Bonito demonstrated a remarkable understanding of harnessing solar energy and staying cool. The thick stone walls—with only a few small windows and doors—help regulate the unstable temperatures of Chaco, keeping the houses comfortable even in the scorching summer heat. This multi-story composite building faces south and slopes downward from back to front, forming terraced roofs that allow each level of the structure to maximize sunlight exposure in winter. Despite Pueblo Bonito being just a ruin and suffering severe damage to its back wall in a mudslide during the 20th century, it remains the jewel of the Chaco Crown.