Myths of the Archaic State

Editorial Reviews

• Product Description

  Classical archaeology promotes the view that a state's evolution reflects general, universal forces. Norman Yoffee challenges the model in this book by presenting more complex and multi-linear models for the evolution of civilizations. Yoffee questions the definition of the prehistoric state, particularly that which heralds "the chiefdom" as the forerunner of the ancient state and explores case studies on the role of women in ancient societies.

• Book Description

  Classical archaeology promotes the view that a state's evolution reflected general, universal forces. Norman Yoffee challenges this model by presenting more complex and multi-linear models for the evolution of civilizations. In his ground-breaking collection of essays he challenges the definition of the prehistoric state, particularly that which hearlds 'the chiefdom' as the forerunner of the ancient state. He explores questions of agency and identity with case studies on the role of women in ancient societies. He examines the building of archaeological theory and the new direction that it is taking.