In Search of the Old Ones

In Search of the Old Ones chronicles David Roberts' exploration of Ancestral Puebloan ruins across the American Southwest. Roberts documents his visits to both well-known archaeological sites and remote cliff dwellings while examining the mysteries of this vanished civilization. The narrative follows Roberts' personal experiences hiking through canyons and climbing to precarious ruins, interspersed with historical context about early archaeologists and pot hunters. The book incorporates interviews with researchers, tribal members, and local residents who share their perspectives on these ancient sites and artifacts. The work grapples with ethical questions surrounding archaeology, preservation, and cultural heritage in the American Southwest. Through his journey to understand the Ancestral Puebloan people, Roberts reflects on humanity's universal drive to uncover and connect with the past.

Readers appreciate Roberts' first-hand accounts of exploring Anasazi sites and his respectful approach to archaeological ethics. Many note his ability to capture both the technical aspects of archaeology and the adventure of discovery. The book resonates with readers who have visited Southwest ruins themselves. Readers liked: - Clear explanations of Anasazi history and culture - Personal storytelling style - Detailed descriptions of remote sites - Discussion of preservation issues Common criticisms: - Too much focus on Roberts' own hiking experiences - Limited coverage of Anasazi daily life - Some repetitive passages - Maps could be more detailed Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (180+ reviews) Sample review: "Roberts strikes a perfect balance between academic knowledge and personal experience. His passion for the subject shows through without overshadowing the history." - Goodreads reviewer "Sometimes gets bogged down in climbing details when I wanted more archaeology." - Amazon reviewer

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🏺 Author David Roberts first became fascinated with the Ancient Puebloan (Anasazi) culture while on a climbing expedition in Utah in 1965, leading to decades of exploration and research. 🏔️ The book extensively covers Cedar Mesa in Utah, which contains one of the highest densities of archaeological sites in North America, with an estimated 100,000 Ancient Puebloan sites. 🎨 Many of the rock art and cliff dwellings described in the book remained virtually untouched for over 700 years until their discovery, preserving detailed insights into Ancient Puebloan daily life. 🌟 Roberts coined the term "modern ruins" to describe how contemporary visitors often inadvertently damage ancient sites, leading to increased awareness about preservation. 🏃 The Ancient Puebloan people, whose architecture and artifacts are central to the book, may have traveled up to 20 miles per day on their extensive trade networks, connecting communities across the Four Corners region.