The Archaeology of Syria: From Complex Hunter-Gatherers to Early Urban Societies (c.16,000-300 BC)

Description

This is the first book to present a comprehensive review of the archaeology of Syria from the end of the Paleolithic period to 300 BC. Syria has become a prime focus of field archaeology in the Middle East in the past thirty years, and Peter Akkermans and Glenn Schwartz discuss the results of this intensive fieldwork, integrating them with earlier research. Alongside the major material culture types of each period, they examine important contributions of Syrian archaeology to issues like the onset of agriculture, the emergence of private property and social inequality, the rise and collapse of urban life, and the archaeology of early empires. All competing interpretations are set out and considered, alongside the authors' own perspectives and conclusions.

GLENN M. SCHWARTZ is Whiting Professor of Archaeology in the Department of Near Eastern Studies, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland. PETER M. M. G. AKKERMANS is Curator of the Department of Ancient Near East at the National Museum of Antiquities, Leiden, The Netherlands.

'The information is presented in clear, jargon-free prose ... the end result is a pleasure to read, as well as thought provoking.' Minerva '... highly welcomed by biblical scholars and archaeologists ... it covers an impressive wide range ... the biblical scholar cannot but be grateful to the authors for providing such a well-written overview of the cultural realm bordering the biblical world. Several state-of-the-art photographs, drawings, maps and charts round off this beautifully produced volume whose affordable price will ensure its widespread and well-deserved distribution.' Society for Old Testament Study '... a useful reference tool for professional archaeologists and an excellent introduction for students.' Antiquity