Archaeologies of Complexity
Published on 8. December 2003
256 pages
978-1-134-48240-5 (ISBN)
Description
An up-to-date and critical analysis of how archaeologists study past societies, Archaeologies of Complexity addresses the nature of contemporary archaeology and the study of social change, and debates the transition from perceived simple, egalitarian societies to the complex power structures and divisions of our modern world.
Since the eighteenth century, archaeologists have examined complexity in terms of successive types of societies, from early bands, tribes and chiefdoms to states; through stages of social evolution, including 'savagery', 'barbarism' and 'civilisation', to the present state of complexity and inequality.
Presenting a radical, alternative view of ancient state societies, the book explains the often ambiguous terms of 'complexity', 'hierarchy' and inequality' and provides a critical account of the Anglo-American research of the last forty years which has heavily influenced the subject.
Since the eighteenth century, archaeologists have examined complexity in terms of successive types of societies, from early bands, tribes and chiefdoms to states; through stages of social evolution, including 'savagery', 'barbarism' and 'civilisation', to the present state of complexity and inequality.
Presenting a radical, alternative view of ancient state societies, the book explains the often ambiguous terms of 'complexity', 'hierarchy' and inequality' and provides a critical account of the Anglo-American research of the last forty years which has heavily influenced the subject.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Product notice
Reflowable
Illustrations
11 s/w Tabellen
11 Tables, black and white
File size
2,21 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-134-48240-5 (9781134482405)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Robert Chapman
Archaeologies of Complexity
Book
04/2003
1st Edition
Routledge
€206.10
Shipment within 15-20 days
Robert Chapman
Archaeologies of Complexity
Book
04/2003
1st Edition
Routledge
€67.00
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
Robert Chapman is Professor of Archaeology at the University of Reading.
Content
1. A Complex and Unequal World: Knowledge, Relevance and Experience 2. Archaeological Theory and Practice: From the Outside Looking In 3. Models of Society and Social Change: From the Inside Looking Out 4. Matters of Terminology: Back to Basics 5. A Class Act: Representing the Prehistoric Past of South-East Spain 6. The Uses and Abuses of Complexity: Prehistoric Societies in the West Mediterranean 7. Complex Archaeologies and Archaeologies of Complexity
