Understanding early civilizations : a comparative study
"Arising independently in various parts of the world, early civilizations--the first class-based societies in human history--are of importance to social scientists interested in the development of complexity, while their cultural productions fascinate both humanists and the general public. This book offers the first detailed comparative study of the seven most fully documented early civilizations: ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, Shang China, the Aztecs and their neighbors, the Classic Maya, the Inca, and the Yoruba. Unlike previous studies, equal attention is paid to similarities and differences in their sociopolitical organization, their economic systems, and their religious beliefs, knowledge, art, and values. Many of this study's findings are surprising and provocative. They challenge not only current understandings of early civilizations but also the theoretical foundations of modern archaeology and anthropology. Rival cultural and ecological approaches are demonstrated to be complimentary to one another, while a comprehensive understanding of human behavior is shown to require that more attention be paid to psychology and the neurosciences"--Publisher's website
Print Book, English, 2007, ©2003
1st pbk. ed View all formats and editions
Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2007, ©2003
xiii, 757 pages : illustrations, maps ; 24 cm
9780521705455, 9780521822459, 0521705452, 0521822459
173151855
Introduction. Rationalism and relativism
Comparative studies
Defining 'early civilization'
Evidence and interpretation
Sociopolitical Organization. Kingship
States : city and territorial
Urbanism
Class systems and social mobility
Family organization and gender roles
Administration
Law
Military organization
Sociopolitical constants and variables
Economy. Food production
Land ownership
Trade and craft specialization
Appropriation of wealth
Economic constants and variables
Cognitive and Symbolic Aspects. Conceptions of the supernatural
Cosmology and cosmogony
Cult
Priests, festivals, and the politics of the supernatural
The individual and the universe
Elite art and architecture
Literacy and specialized knowledge
Values and personal aspirations
Cultural constants and variables
Discussion. Culture and reason
Originally published in 2003