North America mound builders and cliff dwellers

Author: Dale Brown
Publisher:
Publishing Time: Not available
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 from 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 explore must-see historical sites and landmarks. The process of civilization development is never simple or linear. No ancient civilization in history has avoided multiple setbacks or even regressions. Some civilizations ultimately faded into extinction and oblivion. Many creations of civilizations vanished in the flow of time and re-emerged 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 remarkable understanding of harnessing solar energy and staying cool. The thick stone walls—with only a few small windows and doors—help regulate Chaco's unstable temperatures, keeping the dwellings comfortable even in the summer heat. This multi-story composite building faces south and slopes downward from back to front, forming terraced roofs that allow each level of dwellings to maximize sunlight exposure in winter. Despite Pueblo Bonito being just a ruin and suffering severe damage to its back wall from a mudslide in the 20th century, it remains the jewel of Chaco.