Power from Below in Premodern Societies - The Dynamics of Political Complexity in the Archaeological Record (Hardcover)

This volume challenges previous views of social organization focused on elites by offering innovative perspectives on 'power from below.' Using a variety of archaeological, anthropological, and historical data to question traditional narratives of complexity as inextricably linked to top-down power structures, it exemplifies how commoners have developed strategies to sustain non-hierarchical networks and contest the rise of inequalities. Through case studies from around the world - ranging from Europe to New Guinea, and from Mesoamerica to China - an international team of contributors explores the diverse and dynamic nature of power relations in premodern societies. The theoretical models discussed throughout the volume include a reassessment of key concepts such as heterarchy, collective action, and resistance. Thus, the book adds considerable nuance to our understanding of power in the past, and also opens new avenues of reflection that can help inform discussions about our collective present and future.

General

Imprint:	Cambridge UniversityPress
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Release date:	October 2021
Editors:	T L Thurston • Manuel Fernandez-Goetz
Dimensions:	263 x 185 x 23mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Hardcover
Pages:	350
ISBN-13:	978-1-316-51539-6
Categories:	Books > Humanities > History > World history > BCE to 500 CE Books > Humanities > Archaeology > Archaeology by period / region > Prehistoric archaeology Books > History > World history > BCE to 500 CE
LSN:	1-316-51539-7
Barcode:	9781316515396

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