Michael E. Smith is an archaeologist with two research themes: (1) The Aztecs, Teotihuacan, and other societies in ancient central Mexico, and, (2) comparative urbanism. He has directed fieldwork projects at numerous sites in the provinces of the Aztec empire in central Mexico. His fieldwork focuses on the excavation of houses and the study of daily life. He has published seven books and numerous scholarly articles on the Aztecs; his books include the award-winning "At Home with the Aztecs" (2016), the textbook, "The Aztecs" (3rd edition, 2012), "Aztec City-State Capitals" (2008), and "Rethinking the Aztec Economy" (co-edited by Nichols, Berdan & Smith, 2017). He now focuses on the study of urban life, society, inequality and prosperity at the ancient city of Teotihuacan.