A discussion of the historical archaeology of one of the largest cities in the world following four centuries of marginal positioning in regard to empires, trade routes, and the production and accumulation of wealth. The author describes how Buenos Aires came to achieve its current status as a major urban metropolis through an analysis of settlement patterns, architecture, the lifestyle of its residents, and the access to commodities of different social groups.

Did It Exist at all?.- A Long Road to Becoming a City.- Archaeology of the Downtown.- "To Be or Not to Be (European-Like)".- All Other Things from a City.- An Archaeological Overview of Downtown Buenos Aires.