Archaeologies of Complexity

Author/creator Chapman, Robert Author
Format Electronic
Publication InfoNew York : Routledge
Description256 p. ill 00.850 x 00.550 in.
Supplemental ContentFull text available from Ebook Central - Academic Complete
Subjects

Summary Annotation <p>An up-to-date and critical analysis of how archaeologists study past societies, <em>Archaeologies of Complexity</em>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p>
Access restrictionAvailable only to authorized users.
Technical detailsMode of access: World Wide Web
Genre/formElectronic books.
ISBN9780203451779
ISBN0203451775 (E-Book) Active Record
Standard identifier# 9780203451779
Stock number00081154