Items related to Understanding Early Civilizations: A Comparative Study
Synopsis
This book offers the first detailed comparative study of the seven best-documented early civilizations: ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, Shang China, the Aztecs and adjacent peoples in the Valley of Mexico, the Classic Maya, the Inka, and the Yoruba. Unlike previous studies, equal attention is paid to similarities and differences in their sociopolitical organization, economic systems, religion, and culture. Many of this study's findings are surprising and provocative. Agricultural systems, technologies, and economic behaviour turn out to have been far more diverse than was expected. These findings and many others challenge not only current understandings of early civilizations but also the theoretical foundations of modern archaeology and anthropology. The key to understanding early civilizations lies not in their historical connections but in what they can tell us about similarities and differences in human behaviour.
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Review
'This work is a milestone in the scientific study of sociocultural evolution ... I know of no other comparative study of early civilizations of similar scope, depth, and originality.' Philosophy of the Social Sciences
'Its comprehensiveness of theme, readiness to pursue profound if difficult and sometimes not readily answerable questions, and impressive control of a wide range of sources, reflect distinguished thought and dedicated effort ... a major achievement.' The International History Review
'Understanding Early Civilizations is the capstone of Trigger's remarkable archaeological career. This is, quite simply, a definitive work.' Brian Fagan, University of California, Santa Barbara
'Trigger's study is monumental and magisterial. It is a work to treasure and digest for years to come.' Philip L. Kohl, Wellesley College
'The latest in Trigger's impressive string of ground-breaking works ... An astounding work of scholarship.' Boyce Richardson
'This book is an extraordinary undertaking and a great achievement ... It provides an accessible introduction to the problems and priorities of cross-cultural comparison and approaches to early civilisations.' Antiquity
Book Description
A detailed comparative study of the seven best-documented early civilizations: ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, Shang China, the Aztecs, peoples in the Valley of Mexico, the Classic Maya, the Inka, and the Yoruba. Equal attention is paid to similarities and differences in their sociopolitical organization, economic systems, religion, and culture.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherCambridge University Press
- Publication date2003
- ISBN 10 0521822459
- ISBN 13 9780521822459
- BindingHardcover
- LanguageEnglish
- Number of pages774
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Understanding Early Civilizations: A Comparative Study
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Understanding Early Civilizations: A Comparative Study
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Understanding Early Civilizations: A Comparative Study
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Understanding Early Civilizations: A Comparative Study
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Understanding Early Civilizations: A Comparative Study
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ISBN 10: 0521822459
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Understanding Early Civilizations: A Comparative Study
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Understanding Early Civilizations: A Comparative Study
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Cambridge University Press- Canto, New York, 2003
ISBN 10: 0521822459
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Hard Back. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. First Edition. 757 Pages Indexed. Brand new book with black marker pen remainder mark on bottom page edges. No other defects and interior text pages are flawless. 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. Bruce G. Trigger is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology at McGill University. He received his PhD from Yale University and has carried out archaeological research in Egypt and the Sudan. His current (2003) interests include the comparative study of early civilizations, the history of archaeology, and archaeological and anthropological theory. Contents in 29 Chapters: Rationalism and Relativism, Comparative studies, Defining Early Civilization, Evidence and Interpretation, Kingship, States City and Territorial, Urbanism, Class systems and Social Mobility, Family Organization and Gender Roles, Administration, Law, Military Organization, Sociopolitical Constants and Variables, Food production, Land Ownership, Trade and Craft Specialization, Appropriation of Wealth, Economic Constants and Variables, 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, and Conclusion. Seller Inventory # 17990
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Understanding Early Civilizations: A Comparative Study
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ISBN 10: 0521822459
ISBN 13: 9780521822459
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Understanding Early Civilizations: A Comparative Study
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ISBN 10: 0521822459
ISBN 13: 9780521822459
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