essay
The prehistory of imperialism: the case of Uruk period Mesopotamia
uruk mesopotamia & its neighbors : cross-cultural interactions in the era of state formation • Sante Fe, Nm • Published In 2001 • Pages: 27-83
By: Algaze, Guillermo, 1954.
Abstract
In this essay Algaze argues that cases of pristine state formation, by their very nature, involve processes of external expansion that can be characterized as early examples of economic imperialism. During the fourth millennium BC., polities in the southern alluvium of Mesopotamia developed enough societal complexity to warrant classifying them as states, as was the case during the Uruk Period. This societal evolution was based on the development of higher-level administrative systems, increased economic specialization, a significant increase in the labor pool, centralization of some key activities (religious ritual , military action, and policing), the production and distribution of foodstuffs and other goods, and increased social stratification. The author describes the effects of these factors on Uruk civilization during the period under discussion.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2000
- Region
- Middle East
- Sub Region
- Middle East
- Document Type
- essay
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Archaeologist
- Document Rating
- 4: Excellent Secondary Data
- Analyst
- John Beierle; 2006
- Field Date
- no date
- Coverage Date
- Uruk Period, 5800-5100 BP (3800-3100 BC)
- Coverage Place
- Iraq
- Notes
- Guillermo Algaze
- For bibliographical references see document 17:Rothman
- LCCN
- 2001049321
- LCSH
- Middle East--Civilization--To 622/Erech (Extinct city)