Subject Area: History

This course explores the origins and evolution ancient Egyptian and West Asian civilizations. After a brief consideration of Paleolithic precursors, we will examine the Neolithic Revolution, taking into account the environmental context. Next, we will follow the rise of complex civilisation, urbanisation, and the origins of the state. The bulk of the course will then focus on the comparative evolution of Egyptian and other East Mediterranean / West Asian state-level societies. Extensive use of material culture will supplement written evidence; the course has a large archaeological component. Themes pursued in this course may include: change and continuity over time; the impact of environment and geography on historical development; historiography and theories of archaeological interpretation; the origins and evolution of political and military institutions; trade, imperialism and other intercultural relationships; the origins and evolution of economic and social structures (including the practice of slavery, the status of women, the composition and role of the aristocracy, etc.); conservatism and change in Egyptian religion, art, and culture.