The Collapse of Complex Societies (New Studies in Archaeology) - Softcover
Book 8 of 45: New Studies in Archaeology
Synopsis
Political disintegration is a persistent feature of world history. The Collapse of Complex Societies, though written by an archaeologist, will therefore strike a chord throughout the social sciences. Any explanation of societal collapse carries lessons not just for the study of ancient societies, but for the members of all such societies in both the present and future. Dr. Tainter describes nearly two dozen cases of collapse and reviews more than 2000 years of explanations. He then develops a new and far reaching theory that accounts for collapse among diverse kinds of societies, evaluating his model and clarifying the processes of disintegration by detailed studies of the Roman, Mayan and Chacoan collapses.
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Book Description
Twenty-four examples of societal collapse help develop a new theory to account for their breakdown. Detailed studies of the Roman, Mayan and Cacoan collapses clarify the processes of disintegration.
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The Collapse of Complex Societies (New Studies in Archaeology)
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Cambridge University Press, 1990
ISBN 10: 052138673X
ISBN 13: 9780521386739
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The Collapse of Complex Societies (New Studies in Archaeology)
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The Collapse of Complex Societies (New Studies in Archaeology) - Joseph A. Tainter - Cambridge University Press
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ISBN 13: 9780521386739
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The Collapse of Complex Societies is a landmark work of archaeology and social theory by anthropologist Joseph A. Tainter. In this influential study, Tainter examines why advanced civilizations?from the Roman Empire to the Maya and the Chacoan culture?experience periods of rapid political and social disintegration. Surveying over two thousand years of explanations for societal collapse, Tainter develops a widely cited theory that increasing social complexity eventually produces diminishing returns, making societies more vulnerable to breakdown when the costs of maintaining complexity exceed the benefits. Written for scholars and general readers interested in history, archaeology, and political systems, the book remains a foundational text in the study of societal resilience and collapse. Condition: Fine condition with small light scuffing on corners of front cover. (See photo.). Seller Inventory # ABE-1773483085245
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Collapse of Complex Societies
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The Collapse of Complex Societies (New Studies in Archaeology)
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Collapse of Complex Societies
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The Collapse of Complex Societies
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Paperback. Condition: New. Any explanation of political collapse carries lessons not just for the study of ancient societies, but for the members of all complex societies in both the present and future. Dr Tainter describes nearly two dozen cases of collapse and reviews more than 2000 years of explanations. He then develops a new and far-reaching theory that accounts for collapse among diverse kinds of societies, evaluating his model and clarifying the processes of disintegration by detailed studies of the Roman, Mayan and Chacoan collapses. Seller Inventory # LU-9780521386739
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The Collapse of Complex Societies (New Studies in Archaeology)
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