The Early History of the Ancient Near East, 9000-2000 B.C.

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Archaeology, History, Ancient History
Cover of the book The Early History of the Ancient Near East, 9000-2000 B.C. by Hans J. Nissen, University of Chicago Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Hans J. Nissen ISBN: 9780226182698
Publisher: University of Chicago Press Publication: March 4, 2011
Imprint: University of Chicago Press Language: English
Author: Hans J. Nissen
ISBN: 9780226182698
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Publication: March 4, 2011
Imprint: University of Chicago Press
Language: English

Hans J. Nissen here provides a much-needed overview of 7000 years of development in the ancient Near East from the beginning of settled life to the formation of the first regional states. His approach to the study of Mesopotamian civilization differs markedly from conventional orientations, which impose a sharp division between prehistoric and historic, literate, periods. Nissen argues that this approach is too rigid to explain the actual development of that civilization. He deemphasizes the invention of writing as a turning point, viewing it as simply one more phase in the evolution of social complexity and as the result of specific social, economic, and political factors.

With a unique combination of material culture analysis written data, Nissan traces the emergence of the earliest isolated settlements, the growth of a network of towns, the emergence of city states, and finally the appearance of territorial states. From his synthesis of the prehistoric and literate periods comes a unified picture of the development of Mesopotamian economy, society, and culture. Lavishly illustrated, The Early History of the Ancient Near East, 9000-2000 B.C. is an authoritative work by one of the most insightful observers of the evolution and character of Mesopotamian civilization.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Hans J. Nissen here provides a much-needed overview of 7000 years of development in the ancient Near East from the beginning of settled life to the formation of the first regional states. His approach to the study of Mesopotamian civilization differs markedly from conventional orientations, which impose a sharp division between prehistoric and historic, literate, periods. Nissen argues that this approach is too rigid to explain the actual development of that civilization. He deemphasizes the invention of writing as a turning point, viewing it as simply one more phase in the evolution of social complexity and as the result of specific social, economic, and political factors.

With a unique combination of material culture analysis written data, Nissan traces the emergence of the earliest isolated settlements, the growth of a network of towns, the emergence of city states, and finally the appearance of territorial states. From his synthesis of the prehistoric and literate periods comes a unified picture of the development of Mesopotamian economy, society, and culture. Lavishly illustrated, The Early History of the Ancient Near East, 9000-2000 B.C. is an authoritative work by one of the most insightful observers of the evolution and character of Mesopotamian civilization.

More books from University of Chicago Press

Cover of the book The Lacquer Screen by Hans J. Nissen
Cover of the book The Worldmakers by Hans J. Nissen
Cover of the book Serengeti IV by Hans J. Nissen
Cover of the book The Dancing Bees by Hans J. Nissen
Cover of the book Instructions for American Servicemen in France during World War II by Hans J. Nissen
Cover of the book Under the Kapok Tree by Hans J. Nissen
Cover of the book Species and Speciation in the Fossil Record by Hans J. Nissen
Cover of the book A Place That Matters Yet by Hans J. Nissen
Cover of the book Forbidden Journeys by Hans J. Nissen
Cover of the book Interpretation and Social Knowledge by Hans J. Nissen
Cover of the book Demands of the Day by Hans J. Nissen
Cover of the book The Philosophical Hitchcock by Hans J. Nissen
Cover of the book Building Globalization by Hans J. Nissen
Cover of the book The Lost Species by Hans J. Nissen
Cover of the book Stormwater by Hans J. Nissen
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy