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The Archaeology of Early Egypt Social Transformations in North-East Africa, c. 10,000 to 2,650 BC Series: Cambridge World Archaeology David Wengrow University College London
Hardback (ISBN-10: 0521835860 | ISBN-13: 9780521835862) Also available in Paperback Not yet published - available from May 2006 (Stock level updated: 17:53 GMT, 16 January 2006) c. £50.00 In this fresh, authoritative and compelling survey of the archaeology of early Egypt, David Wengrow offers a new interpretation of the emergence of farming economies and the dynastic state, c.10,000 to 2,650 BC. Exploring key themes such as the nature of state power, kingship and the inception of writing, Wengrow illuminates prehistoric social development along the Nile through comparison with neighbouring regions. Detailed analysis of the archaeological record reveals the interplay between large-scale processes of economic and political change and intimate material practices through which social identities were transformed, focussing upon ritual treatments of the dead. Employing rich empirical data and engaging critically with anthropological theory and the history of archaeological thought, Wengrow's work challenges the current theoretical isolation of Egyptian prehistory and breaches the methodological boundaries that separate prehistory from Egyptology. It is essential reading for anybody with an interest in ancient Egyptian civilisation or early state formation.
• Broader geographical and chronological scope than any comparable archaeological survey of Ancient Egypt
• Presents an engaging narrative history
• Reinterprets the significance of Egypt in the history of archaeological thought Contents Introduction: the idea of prehistory in the Middle East and North East Africa; Part I. Transformations in Prehistory: 1. Egypt and the outside world I, c.10,000–3300 BC; 2. Neolithic economy and society; 3. Domestication and embodiment in the Nile valley; 4. The urbanisation of the dead: Naqada I-II; 5. Image, ritual and the construction of identity in late prehistory; Part II. The Making of Kingship: 6. Opening considerations: la mémoire monarchique; 7. Egypt and the outside world II, c.3300–2500 BC; 8. The evolution of simplicity: Naqada III; 9. Extraordinary bodies and binding truths: early writing in context; 10. Theatres of sacrifice: dynastic constructions of death; Conclusion: subterranean histories of power. Review ‘The Archaeology of Early Egypt marks a great advance in publications in this area. It is a remarkable achievement.’ Professor John Baines, Oriental Institute, University of Oxford
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Thought: Have you read this work yourself? If so, what do you suppose stand out, or are the highlights?
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ausar Member # 1797
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I checked out the book on amazon.com and apparently it has not been released yet. Is there anymore information on a release date for the title?
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