The Origins of Human Society

The Origins of Human Society traces the development of human culture from its origins over 2 million years ago to the emergence of literate civilization. In addition to a global coverage of prehistoric life, the book pays specific attention to the origins and dispersal of anatomically-modern humans, the development of symbolic expression, the transition from mobile foraging bands to sedentary households, early agriculture and its consequences, the emergence of social differentiation and hereditary ranking, and the prehistoric roots of ancient states and empires.

The Blackwell History of the World Series

The goal of this ambitious series is to provide an accessible source of knowledge about the entire human past, for every curious person in every part of the world. It will comprise some two dozen volumes, of which some provide synoptic views of the history of particular regions while others consider the world as a whole during a particular period of time. The volumes are narrative in form, giving balanced attention to social and cultural history (in the broadest sense) as well as to institutional development and political change. Each provides a systematic account of a very large subject, but they are also both imaginative and interpretative. The Series is intended to be accessible to the widest possible readership, and the accessibility of its volumes is matched by the style of presentation and production.

List of Figures and Tables.

Series Editor's Preface.

Preface.

A Note on Dating.

1. The Gateway to Human Prehistory.

2. The Earliest Human Societies.

3. The Human Diaspora.

4. After the Ice Age.

5. Seeds for Civilization.

6. Pathways to Inequality.

7. Elites and Commoners.

8. Early States and Chiefdoms in the Shadow of States.

Bibliography.

Index.

"Bogucki has succeeded admirably in his attempt to review the most up-to-date findings and interpretive issues in world prehistory ... This book will enlarge and modify our understanding of prehistory." Journal of World History

Peter Bogucki is associate dean for undergraduate affairs in the School of Engineering and Applied Science at Princeton University and an archeologist.

The origins and development of human society are explored and illuminated in this compelling history. The book provides readers with an understanding of the evolution of humans and the cultures they established, from the first traces of humanity to the creation of early literate societies.

The author examines how Homo Sapiens emerged as the sole-surviving human species and developed into modern humans. He provides a global account of prehistoric life and the roots of modern societies and empires. The major topics covered include the creation of hierarchical societies and hereditary ranking, the origins of language, the importance of agriculture, the evolution of tool-making, the development of religion, and the beginnings of war.

The Origins of Human Society provides the essential foundation to the study of early civilization and reveals the origins of the major elements of modern human society and culture.