The Chinese Neolithic: Trajectories to Early States

摘要: This book studies the formation of complex societies in prehistoric China during Neolithic and early state periods, c. 7000–1500 BC. Archaeological materials are interpreted through anthropological perspectives, using systematic analytic methods settlement burial patterns. Both agency process considered development chiefdoms emergence states Yellow River region. Interrelationships between factors such as mortuary practice, craft specialization, ritual activities, warfare, exchange elite goods, climatic fluctuations, environmental changes emphasized. study offers a critical evaluation current archaeological data from Chinese sources, argues that, although some general tendencies noted, social were affected by multiple no pre-determined sequence. In this most comprehensive to date, Li Liu attempts reconstruct developmental trajectories toward civilization discusses theoretical implications archaeology for understanding evolution.