Details
This volume explores early complex society and nascent urbanism, based in studies of Mesopotamia during the fifth–fourth millennia bc. Urbanism in the Near East has traditionally been located in late fourthmillennium bc southern Mesopotamia (south Iraq); but recent excavations and surveys in northeast Syria and southeast Turkey have identified a distinctively northern Mesopotamian variant of this development, which can be dated to the early fourth millennium bc. The authors use multiscalar approaches, including material culturebased studies, settlement archaeology and regional surveys, to achieve an understanding of the dynamics of early urbanism across this key region. The book reveals the variety of social, economic and political relationships that are implicit within an urban centre and an urbanized society.
Reviews & Quotes
"...there is much in this volume to interest anyone working on the ancient Near East, and it is a commendable tribute to Joan Oates, a driving force in the study of Mesopotamian prehistory for over half a century."
D.T. Potts
BiOr
(04/01/2017)
"Preludes to Urbanism is therefore a rich, well-documented work, encouraging the reader to reflect on ancient Mesopotamian state and the way towns were formed."
C. Marro
Paléorient
(21/07/2017)
