article

Egypt: origins of complex societies

Annual review of anthropology18 • Published In 1989 • Pages: 129-155

By: Wenke, Robert J..

Abstract
This document covers the period from 11,000 B.P.-4000 B.P. (9000 B.C.-2000 B.C.) or the Neolithic through the Old Kingdom. Only the data that pertain to the Predynastic period of Upper Egypt were indexed for OCM (Outline of Cultural Materials) subjects. Wenke summarizes the research of the past decade on complex societies to discuss 'how traditional views of the Egyptian past have been modified by recent work.' (page 130). He discusses the chronology of Egypt, Nubia, Palestine, and Mesopotamia and how it relates to Nile river levels and what some of the problems are with the current chronology. Wenke summarizes agricultural origins in Egypt and where sheep, goats, wheat, and barley were first found. He goes on to summarize the first Predynastic societies and continues with a discussion of Early Dynastic Egypt up through the Old Kingdom. Wenke is interested in how a complex society originated and developed in Egypt. He considers the state to have been firmly established during the Old Kingdom.
Subjects
Identification
Reviews and critiques
Theoretical orientation in research and its results
Topography and geology
Acculturation and culture contact
Cereal agriculture
Settlement patterns
Chronologies and culture sequences
tradition
Upper Egypt Predynastic
HRAF PubDate
2005
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Northern Africa
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Archaeologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
Analyst
Sarah Berry ; 2004
Field Date
not specified
Coverage Date
7000 BP-5000 BP (5000 B.C.-3000 B.C.)
Coverage Place
Egypt
Notes
Robert J. Wenke
Includes bibliographical references (p. 150-155)
LCCN
72082136
LCSH
Neolithic period--Egypt/Egypt--Antiquities