"The Dawn of Everything" by David Graeber is a great, more recent alternative with a lot more context around the non-linear trajectory of history - the modern myths of linear progressive societal progress from savages, to agriculture, to cities and centralized technological futurism.

Graeber also explores the question what defines a society, and how at certain points some groups of people identified their culture through "schismogenesis" more so in oppositional context to against other group(s)

It's a massive book, but really refreshing and full of delightful little anecdotes and footnotes all through out.

I'll recommend Jungles of Stone - the story of explorers Stephens and Catherwood - the first Europeans to document and explore the sites of the ancient Maya.

Also look up "Cabeza de Vaca."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%81lvar_N%C3%BA%C3%B1ez_Cab...

I found a book on his trip in a "little library," and was surprised they never mentioned this guy once in history class, at least enough for me to remember. Fascinating, sometimes funny story as well.

I second this recommendation!

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