Perhaps the contributions of South American archaeology to the larger field of world archaeology have been inadequately recognized. If so, this is probably because there have been relatively few archaeologists working in South America outside of Peru and recent advances in knowledge in other parts of the continent are only beginning to enter larger archaeological discourse. Many ideas of and about South American archaeology held by scholars from outside the area are going to change irrevocably with the appearance of the present volume. Not only does the Handbook of South American Archaeology (HSAA) provide immense and broad information about ancient South America, the volume also showcases the contributions made by South Americans to social theory. Moreover, one of the merits of this volume is that about half the authors (30) are South Americans, and the bibliographies in their chapters will be especially useful guides to Spanish and Portuguese literature as well as to the latest research. It is inevitable that the HSAA will be compared with the multi-volume Handbook of South American Indians (HSAI), with its detailed descriptions of indigenous peoples of South America, that was organized and edited by Julian Steward. Although there are heroic archaeological essays in the HSAI, by the likes of Junius Bird, Gordon Willey, John Rowe, and John Murra, Steward states frankly in his introduction to Volume Two that “arch- ology is included by way of background” to the ethnographic chapters.

To fully understand not only the past, but also the trajectories, of human societies, we need a more dynamic view of human social systems. Agent-based modeling (ABM), which can create fine-scale models of behavior over time and space, may reveal important, general patterns of human activity. Agent-Based Modeling for Archaeology is the first ABM textbook designed for researchers studying the human past. Appropriate for scholars from archaeology, the digital humanities, and other social sciences, this book offers novices and more experienced ABM researchers a modular approach to learning ABM and using it effectively. Readers will find the necessary background, discussion of modeling techniques and traps, references, and algorithms to use ABM in their own work. They will also find engaging examples of how other scholars have applied ABM, ranging from the study of the intercontinental migration pathways of early hominins, to the weather–crop–population cycles of the American Southwest, to the trade networks of Ancient Rome. This textbook provides the foundations needed to simulate the complexity of past human societies, offering researchers a richer understanding of the past—and likely future—of our species.

Zendista McKenna is Chief of the Alliance Marshals, the most elite police force in the Migichinan Alliance. His top concern is to serve and protect all of the Goddess' children, but forces beyond his control thrust him into an arena of politics, where his enemies will be far more dangerous than any common criminal. Will he take the position that he has been destined for? Or will a power-hungry warlord take him out of the game and plunge the Alliance into an age of darkness?

“A breezy, smart apocalyptic tale that makes sequels look tempting.” — Kirkus Reviews Within the dark shadows of a dystopian future, Jack is a street-smart pastor in an urban ghetto. But when the local street gang defends their turf from well-funded outsiders willing to sacrifice the entire population for profit and power, he is forced to deal with ghosts from the past he had abandoned years ago. Corey and Sue are thrown together when an outlaw motorcycle gang destroys their hometowns. Uniting to endure the lawless mayhem, the bond developing between them may help them overcome the trauma of their flight – if they survive. Josanne and Melissana are friends from opposite sides of the tracks; Josanne’s Dad provided everything, while Melissana was thrown out of a broken home by the father who liked to do the breaking. The enigmatic Johnny has a name but no traceable past. So lucky he seems skilled or so skilled he appears lucky, neither his luck nor his skill has provided what he’s really searching for. Each is targeted for recruitment by an elite government agency founded as a last-ditch effort to covertly protect its citizens from what the U.S. has become by fielding autonomous teams of cybernetic agents. Implanted ultratech alone, however, won’t ensure the safety of the fledgling team; they need a leader. But the best person to lead them is a jaded former agent haunted by tragedy and setbacks of his own... Together they must overcome their pasts as well as their present fears, doubts, suspicions, and ultimately, the threat to an entire city.