Connecting community, infrastructure, and expansion in ancient Mesoamerica

This groundbreaking volume presents a fresh and comprehensive look at the urban development of Mesoamerican cities. Moving beyond traditional methods, The Urban Questions adopts a dynamic, multidisciplinary approach to understanding the complexity and diversity of ancient settlements. By examining urbanism at multiple scales—from individual events to households, neighborhoods, and entire regions—it offers a nuanced view of how these cities evolved over time.

Contributors explore key themes such as community identity, infrastructure management, and the intersection of social, political, and economic processes. Rich in both spatial and material analysis, the chapters provide insights into the lived experience of ancient Mesoamerican inhabitants and the gradual expansion of their cities. With innovative archaeological methodologies and theoretical frameworks, this volume is an essential resource for scholars of Mesoamerican studies, archaeology, and urban history, shedding new light on the dynamic nature of ancient cities.

Lisa M. Johnson is an associate professor-in-residence at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She is a co-editor and author of Materializing Ritual Practices.

Arianna Campiani is an assistant professor at Sapienza University of Rome. She is the co-author of Palenque.