This is an in-depth treatment of the antecedents and first flourescence of early state and urban societies in lowland Mesopotamia over nearly three millennia; from approximately 5000 to 2100 BC. The approach is explicitly anthropological; drawing on contemporary theoretical perspectives to enrich our understanding of the ancient Mesopotamian past. It explores the ways people of different genders and classes contributed and responded to political; economic; and ideological changes. The interpretations are based on studies of regional settlement patterns; faunal remains; artifact distributions and activity patterning; iconography; texts and burials.
#494810 in Books Cambridge University Press 1994-01-28Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.41 x .71 x 6.69l; .89 #File Name: 0521466709268 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Mrs. Deborah L. MitchelThanks!4 of 7 people found the following review helpful. interestingBy A. manceboWhen I read the first few pages I was not happy. All the authors' ideas appeared to be taken from a variety of texts found listed on the bottom of the page. A Summery? Not very inventive. But;as I had already sifted through pages and pages of potentially interesting books before deciding to buy this one; I thought I should at least finish it. It got much; Much better. When he starts talking about the nuts and bolts of New England beliefs; there actions and attitudes; it all becomes so clear. Why did the clergy dislike what they called 'witchcraft'? why did laypeople continue to practice it? What would possess a church member to go to a fortuneteller; or a diviner? Why would the Clergy issue a 'not guilty' verdict for two women who failed the devils mark test; the ducking test; and had verbal and spectral evidence against them? Unusual? No.It seems that most of what we are told about witchcraft and witch trials is a mixture of Europe and New England.-Mostly Europe as they are the more sensational of the two- When the two are separated it is evident they operate under different rules. So different; that what would be good enough to convict in Europe isn't enough to convict in New England. Both the later times and the Puritan religion play a major factor in this.So if you are looking for a book to help you out debate an average witch-know-it-all. this is one you probably want to read.It comes complete with statistics and conversations and; for those interested; it has some nice charts in the back listing all witch accusations for the 1640-1697; verdict included. A separate chart for the Salem/Andover witch trials; as you will find that this incident is was unique for a number of reasons thus deserves a separate explanation.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Disappointed...By NanvanDidn't care for his writing style. Found it dry; somewhat boring and repetitive.
