Key Takeaways
1. Cities are shaped by the interplay of politics and environmental crises.
City leaders pour resources into beautiful spectacles for political reasons, rather than providing good roads, functioning sewers, relatively safe marketplaces, and other basic amenities of urban life.
Political spectacles over practical needs. Throughout history, city leaders often prioritize visually impressive projects for political gain, neglecting essential infrastructure like roads and sanitation. This can lead to vulnerabilities during environmental crises, as seen in Angkor's faulty water storage system.
Vicious cycle of instability. Environmental disasters exacerbate political tensions, making it even harder to repair damaged infrastructure and address basic needs. This creates a cycle of decline that can ultimately lead to urban abandonment.
Resilience requires balance. Cities that prioritize both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality are more likely to withstand environmental challenges and maintain social stability. Neglecting either aspect can lead to long-term consequences.
2. Urban abandonment is a deliberate act driven by unsustainable conditions.
These cities didn’t disappear like Atlantis, sliding abruptly below the water into the realm of legend. They didn’t go missing. People deliberately abandoned them, for good reasons.
Abandonment as a choice. Cities are not simply "lost" due to mysterious circumstances. People make conscious decisions to leave when conditions become unsustainable, often due to a combination of political instability and environmental crises.
Prolonged periods of hardship. The abandonment of cities like Çatalhöyük, Pompeii, Angkor, and Cahokia was not a sudden event, but rather the culmination of prolonged periods of hardship, including drought, flooding, and social unrest.
Seeking a better future. Urbanites uproot their lives and turn their backs on their homes, often at great personal cost, in search of a more stable and promising future elsewhere. This decision reflects a loss of faith in the city's ability to provide for its inhabitants.
3. Early urban life involved a complex negotiation between domestication and the wild.
Domesticity doesn’t mean shutting out nature. Instead, it’s more a filtering process, allowing certain life-forms inside while keeping others at bay.
Domestication's impact. The transition to settled life and agriculture led to the domestication of plants, animals, and even humans, resulting in physical and cultural changes. This process also created a distinct boundary between the domestic sphere and the wild.
Symbolic significance of the wild. Despite embracing domestication, early urban societies like Çatalhöyük retained a fascination with the wild, incorporating animal imagery into their art and rituals. This may have been a way to invoke power, honor ancestors, or acknowledge the fragility of human settlements.
Privacy and the public sphere. The rise of cities also led to the development of the concept of privacy, as people sought to create boundaries between their personal lives and the public sphere. This created new social dynamics and a need for symbolic markers of identity.
4. Ancient cities reveal evolving social structures, not just technological advancements.
It is in the distributed processes of daily life that small acts come to have large consequences.
Beyond technological determinism. The development of cities was not solely driven by technological advancements like agriculture or irrigation. Social and cultural factors, such as the organization of labor, the emergence of hierarchy, and the formation of communities, played a crucial role.
The power of small acts. Urbanism emerged from an ever-expanding sprawl of houses, where humans developed the crafts, tools, and symbolism that still make cities so appealing despite their many drawbacks.
Material entanglement. As people lived in one place for longer, their identities became increasingly bound up in the physical objects around them, from houses and tools to ritual objects and ancestral remains. This "material entanglement" shaped their sense of self and community.
5. Pompeii's streets showcase a vibrant, cosmopolitan public life.
Pompeii may have been lost, but Roman urbanism continued to thrive.
The street as a social hub. Unlike the house-centered life of Çatalhöyük, Pompeii's streets were the center of public life, where people worked, socialized, and engaged in commerce. This created a dynamic and cosmopolitan culture.
Cosmopolitan culture. Pompeii was a melting pot of cultures, with influences from North Africa, Egypt, and other parts of the Roman Empire. This diversity is reflected in the city's art, architecture, and religious practices.
The power of public spaces. Pompeii's streets, bathhouses, and tabernas provided spaces for people of all classes and backgrounds to interact, fostering a sense of shared identity and civic engagement.
6. Roman society was undergoing a social revolution, challenging traditional hierarchies.
The fate of Pompeii is evidence that the demise of a city isn’t the same thing as the collapse of the culture that sustained it.
Social mobility and changing roles. The century leading up to Pompeii's demise was a time of great change, with women, slaves, and immigrants gaining rights and penetrating the inner sanctums of political power. This challenged traditional social hierarchies and created new opportunities for advancement.
The influence of women. Women like Julia Felix and Eumachia played significant roles in Pompeii's economy and public life, owning businesses, funding public works, and challenging traditional gender roles.
The rise of the freedmen. Former slaves, known as freedmen, gained wealth and influence in Pompeii, often becoming successful merchants and entrepreneurs. This created a more diverse and dynamic society.
7. Angkor's success stemmed from mastering water management in a challenging environment.
It is in the distributed processes of daily life that small acts come to have large consequences.
Climate extremes. Angkor faced a challenging climate with alternating periods of intense rainfall and drought. To thrive, the Khmer developed sophisticated water management systems, including reservoirs, canals, and irrigation techniques.
The barays as both practical and symbolic. The barays, or reservoirs, served both practical and symbolic purposes, providing water for agriculture and drinking, while also reflecting the Khmer cosmology and the king's power.
The importance of labor. The construction and maintenance of Angkor's water infrastructure required a vast labor force, drawn from all over the empire. This labor was organized through a complex system of debt and patronage.
8. Khmer society was built on a complex system of labor and patronage.
It is in the distributed processes of daily life that small acts come to have large consequences.
Debt slavery and social hierarchy. Khmer society was structured around a system of debt slavery, where people owed labor to the king and other elites in exchange for land, protection, and other benefits. This system created a rigid social hierarchy.
The role of patronage. The king and other powerful figures maintained their power through a system of patronage, distributing land, resources, and ceremonial positions to their allies and supporters.
The fragility of the system. The Khmer system of labor and patronage was inherently unstable, leading to conflicts over succession, local uprisings, and recurring cycles of chaos.
9. Cahokia's plazas fostered a unique public sphere centered on community and spirituality.
Even a figurine with abundant detail that allows us today to say “this is an image of a woman” might have been identified originally as an image of a specific person, living or dead, or as the personification of an abstract concept—like the representation of Liberty as a woman—or even as a representation of a category of people, such as elders or youths, unified by some feature we overlook today when we divide images by the sexual features that are so important in modern identity.
Plazas as centers of public life. Cahokia's plazas, particularly the Grand Plaza, served as central gathering places for ceremonies, sporting events, and other public activities. These spaces fostered a sense of community and shared identity.
A city built on spirituality. Cahokia's founding was likely driven by a spiritual movement, with leaders promising a cultural and religious rebirth. The city's mounds, plazas, and rituals reflected this spiritual focus.
The importance of community. Cahokia's success depended on its ability to attract and integrate immigrants from diverse backgrounds, creating a shared sense of purpose and belonging.
10. Cahokia's deliberate abandonment reflects a cyclical view of urban life.
When you live in a city, the walls of other people’s houses will fall on you. Stuff accumulates in the street that will affect you. You take on a lot of extra work.
A planned ending. Cahokians engaged in rituals of "closing up" when abandoning houses and neighborhoods, suggesting a belief that every built environment had a set lifespan. This may have been a way of accepting the inevitability of change and decay.
Decentralization and fragmentation. As Cahokia declined, its population dispersed into smaller villages, and its centralized authority weakened. This reflects a shift away from large-scale urbanism and toward more localized forms of community.
Survivance and cultural continuity. Despite the abandonment of Cahokia, Mississippian culture survived in the traditions of Siouan tribes and continues to inspire indigenous artists and activists today.
11. Studying lost cities offers insights into building more resilient urban futures.
Today in cities across the world, we face the same problems our urban ancestors did, as politics are eroded by corruption and climate disaster looms.
Recurring challenges. Cities throughout history have faced similar challenges, including political instability, environmental crises, and social inequality. Studying these past failures can help us identify potential pitfalls and develop more effective solutions.
The importance of balance. Resilient cities require a balance between economic development, social equity, and environmental sustainability. Neglecting any of these aspects can lead to long-term consequences.
Human resilience and adaptation. Despite the challenges they face, cities have proven to be remarkably resilient over time. By learning from the past and embracing innovation, we can create urban environments that are better equipped to withstand the challenges of the future.
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FAQ
1. What is Four Lost Cities: A Secret History of the Urban Age by Annalee Newitz about?
- Exploration of ancient urbanism: The book investigates the rise, life, and decline of four ancient cities—Çatalhöyük, Pompeii, Angkor, and Cahokia—revealing how these urban centers shaped human history and culture.
- Interdisciplinary approach: Annalee Newitz combines archaeology, anthropology, history, and environmental science, using modern technologies like lidar mapping and data archaeology to uncover hidden aspects of these cities.
- Themes of resilience and transformation: The narrative highlights how cities undergo cycles of growth, decline, and renewal, challenging the notion of sudden “collapse” and instead presenting urban abandonment as a gradual process of cultural transformation.
- Lessons for today: By examining why these cities were abandoned, the book draws parallels to modern urban challenges, offering insights into the vulnerabilities and resilience of contemporary cities.
2. Why should I read Four Lost Cities by Annalee Newitz?
- Reveals hidden histories: The book uncovers the lives of commoners, laborers, and women in ancient cities, providing a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of urban life.
- Connects past and present: Newitz draws direct connections between ancient urban challenges—like infrastructure management and social hierarchy—and those facing modern cities, making the book highly relevant.
- Engaging and accessible: Through vivid storytelling and personal experiences, the author makes complex archaeological and historical topics compelling for a broad audience.
- Challenges myths and assumptions: The book debunks popular misconceptions about ancient cities, such as the idea of sudden collapse or matriarchal goddess worship at Çatalhöyük.
3. What are the key takeaways from Four Lost Cities by Annalee Newitz?
- Cities as social experiments: Urban centers are ongoing experiments in organizing human life, balancing cooperation and conflict, and creating shared identities through public spaces and rituals.
- Abandonment is gradual and complex: Urban decline is rarely sudden; it is shaped by environmental changes, political shifts, and social transformations, making the idea of “collapse” an oversimplification.
- Resilience and survivance: Even after physical abandonment, cultures and traditions persist and adapt, emphasizing continuity and renewal beyond city walls.
- Infrastructure and labor matter: The management of water, food, and labor is crucial for urban sustainability, and failures in these areas often contribute to decline.
4. How does Annalee Newitz in Four Lost Cities challenge the traditional idea of “collapse” in ancient civilizations?
- Rejects sudden collapse narrative: Newitz and many archaeologists argue that urban decline is usually a gradual process involving complex social, political, and environmental factors.
- Focus on transformation: Cities often transform or decentralize rather than simply disappear, with people adapting to new forms of social organization.
- Political and social agency: Abandonment is framed as a political process involving shifts in power and social fragmentation, not just environmental catastrophe.
- Continuity of culture: The concept of “survivance” highlights how traditions and identities persist even after cities are deserted.
5. What are the main cities explored in Four Lost Cities by Annalee Newitz, and why were they chosen?
- Çatalhöyük: An early urban settlement in Anatolia, notable for its dense, interconnected housing and complex spiritual life, representing the dawn of urbanism.
- Pompeii: A Roman city famous for its sudden destruction by Mount Vesuvius, offering a snapshot of vibrant urban life and social diversity.
- Angkor: The sprawling capital of the Khmer Empire, known for its sophisticated water management and eventual abandonment due to environmental and political challenges.
- Cahokia: The largest pre-Columbian city in North America, characterized by monumental mounds and a unique urban and spiritual organization.
- Chosen for diversity: These cities represent different eras, geographies, and urban forms, allowing Newitz to explore universal patterns and unique variations in urban rise and decline.
6. How does Four Lost Cities by Annalee Newitz use modern technology like lidar to study ancient cities, especially Angkor?
- Lidar mapping breakthroughs: Lidar technology allowed archaeologists to see beneath dense jungle canopy, revealing the full extent of Angkor’s urban sprawl, including commoners’ neighborhoods and agricultural fields.
- Distinguishing features: The precision of lidar helped differentiate natural landforms from human-made structures like reservoirs, canals, and temple foundations.
- Challenging old assumptions: Lidar data confirmed the vast size and complexity of Angkor, supporting historical inscriptions and challenging Western skepticism about its population and infrastructure.
- Revealing urban planning: The technology uncovered both organic and grid-like patterns in Angkor’s layout, highlighting the city’s unique approach to urban design.
7. What was daily life like in Çatalhöyük according to Four Lost Cities by Annalee Newitz?
- Dense, interconnected living: Çatalhöyük featured houses accessed via rooftops and ladders, marking a shift from nomadic to settled life and introducing new concepts of privacy and public space.
- Domestic and symbolic complexity: Residents engaged in intensive domestic labor, maintained clean homes, and embedded wild animal imagery and human skulls in their walls, reflecting a rich spiritual and social life.
- Egalitarian yet evolving: While the city appeared egalitarian, evidence suggests growing social stratification and cultural shifts over time.
- Gradual decline: Social tensions and climate events, such as the 8.2k event, contributed to the city’s slow abandonment.
8. How does Four Lost Cities by Annalee Newitz challenge the myth of goddess worship and matriarchy at Çatalhöyük?
- Origins of the myth: Early excavations led to the belief that Çatalhöyük was a matriarchal society worshipping a fertility goddess, based on the discovery of female figurines.
- Modern reinterpretation: Recent research shows these figurines were a small fraction of artifacts, often worn and discarded, suggesting they were not central to religious worship.
- Complex social roles: The book argues that projecting modern gender concepts onto ancient societies is misleading; Çatalhöyük likely had no clear gender hierarchy.
- Alternative social divisions: Social stratification may have been based on factors like age or occupation rather than gender.
9. What does Four Lost Cities by Annalee Newitz reveal about Pompeii’s urban life, economy, and social structure?
- Vibrant public culture: Pompeii’s streets were lively centers of commerce, entertainment, and social interaction, with numerous shops, bars, bathhouses, and brothels.
- Diverse population: The city included elites, freed slaves (liberti), immigrants, and slaves, with women participating in business and property ownership.
- Social mobility: Freed slaves could rise socially, and the city was undergoing a social revolution with increased rights for women and freedmen.
- Embedded commerce: Economic transactions were woven into social relationships, with no centralized marketplace but a thriving network of small vendors and artisans.
10. How did the residents of Pompeii respond to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, according to Four Lost Cities by Annalee Newitz?
- Warning signs and evacuation: Earthquakes and smoke preceded the eruption, prompting many residents to flee, though thousands remained, including slaves under orders.
- Destruction and preservation: Superheated gas and ash flows killed many instantly and buried the city under meters of ash, preserving it for posterity.
- Relief and resettlement: Emperor Titus provided relief funds and relocated survivors to nearby cities, where new neighborhoods and facilities were established.
- Cultural trauma: The disaster was so traumatic that Roman society largely avoided discussing it, resulting in a “generation of silence.”
11. What role did labor and debt slavery play in the Khmer Empire’s Angkor, as described in Four Lost Cities by Annalee Newitz?
- Khñum labor force: The term khñum included a range of workers from lifetime slaves to indentured debt slaves, essential for maintaining Angkor’s vast infrastructure.
- Debt as social glue: Debt slavery was normalized and permeated all levels of society, binding commoners, elites, and kings in a fragile system of mutual obligations.
- Modern parallels: Newitz draws comparisons between ancient debt slavery and contemporary economic systems, highlighting the complexities of labor coercion and compliance.
- Spectacle and loyalty: The system relied more on loyalty and public spectacle than outright coercion, reflecting the nuanced nature of labor relations in Angkor.
12. What insights does Four Lost Cities by Annalee Newitz offer about Cahokia’s urban and spiritual life?
- Monumental mound-building: Cahokia was the largest pre-Columbian city in North America, with massive earthen mounds serving as political and spiritual centers.
- Social and religious unity: The city was founded and sustained by social and religious movements that united diverse immigrant populations through rituals, festivals, and games.
- Urban transformation: Cahokia experienced phases of centralization and decentralization, with late revitalization reflecting democratization and diverse leadership.
- Enduring legacy: Cahokia’s cultural influence persists among Siouan tribes and indigenous artists, challenging Eurocentric narratives and affirming indigenous urban traditions.
Review Summary
Four Lost Cities examines the rise and fall of four ancient urban centers: Çatalhöyük, Pompeii, Angkor, and Cahokia. Newitz explores archaeological findings and theories about daily life, societal structures, and reasons for abandonment. Reviewers appreciate the focus on ordinary citizens and the debunking of "lost city" myths. Many found the writing engaging and informative, particularly enjoying the Pompeii section. Some criticize the book's uneven quality and speculative conclusions. Overall, readers value the insights into ancient urban life and the book's relevance to modern city challenges.
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