UID:
almafu_9960119932602883
Format:
1 online resource (xiii, 757 pages) :
,
digital, PDF file(s).
ISBN:
9780511840630
,
1-316-02262-5
,
1-316-02382-6
,
0-511-84063-2
Content:
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.
Note:
Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 05 Oct 2015).
,
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.
,
English
Additional Edition:
ISBN 0-521-70545-2
Additional Edition:
ISBN 0-521-82245-9
Language:
English
Subjects:
History
URL:
Volltext
(URL des Erstveröffentlichers)
URL:
Volltext
(lizenzpflichtig)
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511840630
