Cantona

Welcome to Cantona, pronounced Kahn-toh-nah. As a scholar of Mesoamerican antiquity, I must impress upon you the sheer, staggering magnitude of the site you are about to enter. …

As we begin our ascent into the city, pay close attention to the pathways beneath your feet. You are walking on a beautifully preserved segment of Cantona's vast, intricate street network. …

We now arrive at one of Cantona's most distinguishing archaeological features. You are standing at the edge of a Mesoamerican ball court. …

Our path now leads us upward to the highest point of the city: The Acropolis. This was the absolute nerve center of Cantona, the exclusive domain of the ruling elite and the high priesthood. …

We must now discuss the economic engine that powered the rise of Cantona. As we explore the mid level terraces, we are walking through the remnants of the city's industrial sector. …

Descending from the civic and industrial centers, we enter the vast residential zones of the city. This is where the overwhelming majority of Cantona's eighty to ninety thousand inhabitants actually lived. …

For our final structural exploration, we step down into one of Cantona's sunken plazas. These depressed, open areas are a recurring architectural motif throughout the city. …

As our strenuous but illuminating trek through Cantona concludes, take a final moment to survey the dark, sprawling ruins stretching out across the volcanic basin. We have explored a metropolis that utterly defies our…