ATS4256 Archaeology of state formation

This unit examines the archaeological methods and theory used to study the formation of ancient states. Taking Egypt as the example, it explores developments in religion, ideology and social structure over the period c. 4400-3000 BCE. The transition to statehood forms a critical stage in human history, adjusting the identity and arrangement of communities as they come together politically and geographically. The unit explores archaeological approaches that investigate the build-up of this process in a pre-literate context through an examination of ancient symbolism, iconography, material culture, environmental change and landscape use.