World Prehistory: A Brief Introduction

by Fagan, Brian M.

• ISBN13: 9780130404633
• ISBN10: 0130404632
• Edition: 5th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-01-01
• Publisher: Prentice Hall

Summary

For courses in Introduction to Archaeology, World Prehistory, Human Antiquity, Archaeology, and a supplement for courses in Introduction to Anthropology and Physical Anthropology. Written by one of the leading archaeological writers in the worldin a simple, jargon-free narrative stylethis brief, well-illustrated account of the major developments in the human past (from the origins of humanity to the origins of literate civilization) makes world prehistory uniquely accessible to complete beginners. Up-to-date and state-of-the-art in content and perspective, it covers the entire world (not just the Americas or Europe), placing major emphasis on both theories and the latest archaeological and multidisciplinary approaches. The main focus is on four major developmentsthe origins of humanity; the appearance and spread of modern humans before and during the late Ice Age, including the first settlement of the Americas; the beginnings of food production; and the rise of the first civilizations.

Table of Contents

A Note on Chronologies and Measurements.

I. PREHISTORY.

1. Introducing World Prehistory.

II. THE WORLD OF THE FIRST HUMANS.

2. Human Origins.
3. African Exodus.

III. THE BIRTH OF THE MODERN WORLD.

4. Diaspora.
5. The Origins of Food Production.
6. The Earliest Farmers.
7. Chiefs and Chiefdoms.

IV. EARLY CIVILIZATIONS.

8. State-Organized Societies.
9. Mesopotamia and the Eastern Mediterranean World.
10. Egypt and Africa.
11. South, Southeast, and East Asia.
12. Lowland Mesoamerica.
13. Highland Mesoamerica.
14. Andean Civilizations.
Epilogue.
Glossary of Technical Terms.
Glossary of Archaeological Sites and Cultural Terms.
Guide to Further Reading.
References.
Index.