The development of complex societies is a central subject in archaeological research. Using archaeological evidence from the Yellow (Huanghe) River valley in Northern China, this volume examines changes in the culture that occurred during the late Neolithic Period of China and speculates that this development connects to the emergence of civilized societies in this area.
Several developments in the culture of the Huanghe Valley that suggest their contribution to the development of complex societies include:
-Craft specialization;
-Use of prestige goods such as jade, pottery, and bronze;
-Display of status through both feasting and mortuary rituals.
This work emphasizes the many different approaches that attempt to theorize the development of complex socieites, as well as outlines the approaches and methods used in this research. It will be of interest to archaeologists, cultural and historic anthropologists, ancien Asian historians and Asian preservationists.
