The archeology of trade (original) (raw)
Related papers
The Archaeology of Trading Systems, Part 1: Towards a New Trade Synthesis
Journal of Archaeological Research, 2008
After almost three centuries of investigations into the question of what it means to be human and the historical processes of becoming human, archaeologists have amassed a huge volume of data on prehistoric human interactions. One of the largest data sets available is on the global distribution and exchange of materials and commodities. What still remains insufficiently understood is the precise nature of these interactions and their role in shaping the diverse cultures that make up the human family as we know it. A plethora of theoretical models combined with a multitude of methodological approaches exist to explain one important aspect of human interaction—trade—and its role and place in shaping humanity. We argue that trade parallels political, religious, and social processes as one of the most significant factors to have affected our evolution. Here we review published literature on archaeological approaches to trade, including the primitivist-modernist and substantivist-formalist-Marxist debates. We also discuss economic, historical, and ethnographic research that directly addresses the role of traders and trade in both past and contemporary societies. In keeping with the complexities of interaction between trade and other aspects of human behavior, we suggest moving away from the either/or perspective or strong identification with any particular paradigm and suggest a return to the middle through a combinational approach to the study of trade in past societies.
Theorizing trade and civilization.pdf
Trade and Civilisation:economic networks and cultural ties, from prehistory to the early modern era / edited by Kristian Kristiansen, University of Gothenburg, Thomas Lindkvist, University of Gothenburg, Janken Myrdal,, 2018
This chapter provides a theoretical framework for the formation of international trade and civilization during the Bronze Age after 3000 BC, while at the same time it situates the various contributions within this theoretical context. The focus is thus primarily on the emergence of the constituting elements of trade, as they remained in force throughout history, and accompanied the expansion of trade and civilization
Theorizing trade and civilization
Trade and Civilisation, 2018
This chapter provides a theoretical framework for the formation of international trade and civilization during the Bronze Age after 3000 BC, while at the same time it situates the various contributions within this theoretical context. The focus is thus primarily on the emergence of the constituting elements of trade, as they remained in force throughout history, and accompanied the expansion of trade and civilization. This introductory chapter thus forms a prologue to the book, while the two last chapters form the epilogue.
Histories of Trade as Histories of Civilisation
2021
The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made. The publisher remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
2024
The conference will be held at the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale, in Saint-Germain-en-Laye (near Paris, France), from Wednesday 16 to Friday 18 October. Please note that registration for the conference is free but compulsory due to the limited number of seats in the auditorium of the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale. You can find more information about the event and the registration at: https://musee-archeologienationale.fr/agenda/evenement/economies-protohistoriques
Cambridge University Press. Can be ordered directly at: http://www.cambridge.org/academic/subjects/archaeology/archaeology-europe-and-near-and-middle-east/trade-and-civilisation-economic-networks-and-cultural-ties-prehistory-early-modern-era?format=HB#p6VJ94A3qBKIJ0vA.97 , 2018
This book provides the fi rst global analysis of the relationship between trade and civilisation from the beginning of civilisation around 3000 BC until the modern era around AD 1600. Encompassing the various networks including the Silk Road, the Indian Ocean trade, Near Eastern family traders of the Bronze Age, and the Medieval Hanseatic League, it examines the role of the individual merchant, the products of trade, the role of the state, and the technical conditions for land and sea transport that created diverging systems of trade and developed global trade networks. Trade networks, however, were not durable. The contributors discuss the establishment and decline of great trading network systems, and how they related to the expansion of civilisation, and to diff erent forms of social and economic exploitation. Case studies focus on local conditions as well as global networks until the sixteenth century when the whole globe was connected by trade.