I just finished reading “Four Lost Cities”, an urban archeology/history book by Annalee Newitz. It’s a fascinating account of what we’ve learned about city living from very different abandoned places, including Pompeii, Angkor Wat, and two others (one in Europe and one in present day USA that I had never heard of before, probably because its existence doesn’t fit in with the official settler narrative).
I found it a fascinating read, because the stories of the cities are so different from one another, and more nuanced than the packaged versions you’ve probably read.
I was halfway through the book before I realized the author was the same person who wrote the cozy sf novella “Automatic Noodle”, which I had recommended earlier. I have much respect for their range!
Thanks to @jonobie
for the recommendation!