| Archaeologies of Complexity Contributor(s): Chapman, Robert (Author) |
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ISBN: 0415273080 ISBN-13: 9780415273084 Publisher: Routledge OUR PRICE: $46.50 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: April 2003 Annotation: "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. Explaining the ambiguous terms "complexity," "hierarchy" and "inequality," this book provides a critical account of the Anglo-American research of the last 40 years. Through a detailed case study of the later prehistoric societies of the Western Mediterranean, the author supports his radical alternative analysis of early societies. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Social Science | Archaeology |
| Dewey: 930.1 |
| LCCN: 2002031948 |
| Lexile Measure: 1460 |
| Physical Information: 0.59" H x 5.76" W x 7.94" (0.72 lbs) 254 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher 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. |