The Early History of the Ancient Near East, 9000-2000 B.C.

by Hans J. Nissen, Elizabeth Lutzeier (Translator), Kenneth J. Northcott (Translator)

Hans J. Nissen here provides a much-needed overview of 7000 years of development in the ancient Near East from the beginning of settled life to the formation of the first regional states. His approach to the study of Mesopotamian civilization differs markedly from conventional orientations, which impose a sharp division between prehistoric and historic, literate, periods. Nissen argues that this approach is too rigid to explain the actual development of that civilization. He deemphasizes the invention of writing as a turning point, viewing it as simply one more phase in the evolution of social complexity and as the result of specific social, economic, and political factors.

With a unique combination of material culture analysis written data, Nissan traces the emergence of the earliest isolated settlements, the growth of a network of towns, the emergence of city states, and finally the appearance of territorial states. From his synthesis of the prehistoric and literate periods comes a unified picture of the development of Mesopotamian economy, society, and culture. Lavishly illustrated, The Early History of the Ancient Near East, 9000-2000 B.C. is an authoritative work by one of the most insightful observers of the evolution and character of Mesopotamian civilization.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Archaeology, Ancient, Ancient History

224 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1988

Reviews

[Jeffrey Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hans J. Nissen is a hero. He is the vital missing link which connects the treasures of German archaeology and their excavations at Uruk with the English speaking world. Uruk was the first great city in history and is where writing was invented over 5000 years ago. Sadly thorough most information relating to this fascinating archaeological site is locked away in German libraries and would never have reached a larger world audience if it weren't for Han Nissen. Though this book doesn't focus on Uruk it remains a great primer for those seeking knowledge of the fascinating Sumerian civilization where Uruk reached its height as a mega-city long before Stonehenge existed. We must continue the good work of Hans Nissen and dig deeper into the evidence, for there we will uncover a lost and forgotten world which led to modern civilization as we know it today.

[Namrirru · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a bit dry, but still understandable. It's one of the few books dedicated to this period so it's as good as you can get.

[Rob Markley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book that failed to really give a history. It attempts to give good coverage but not particularly systematic and difficult to get any good feel for things from this material

[David A · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, Nissen presents a comprehensive overview of the development of Mesopotamian civilization from the beginning of settled life to the formation of the first regional states. Nissen's approach to the study of this period is unique, as he deemphasizes the invention of writing as a turning point and instead focuses on the evolution of social complexity and the impact of specific social, economic, and political factors.

The book is well-researched and provides a detailed analysis of the material culture and written data, tracing the emergence of isolated settlements, the growth of a network of towns, the development of city states, and the eventual formation of territorial states. However, the book's organization can be somewhat confusing, as it does not follow a strict chronological order. This can make it difficult for readers to follow the progression of events and may require additional effort to piece together the timeline of the region's history.

[Trevor Kroger · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an academic text, it's fine. It's a decent overview of the material culture that arose in Mesopotamia from the neolithic into the early bronze age. Complete with all necessary caveats about inherent uncertainty and approximation.

As a history, it's just... not. No people, no stories, none of the development from early ancestor worship into pantheons of gods, nothing of what makes humans so distinct from the other tool using primates.

Samuel Kramer has written much better histories of Mesopotamia. You can gain a deeper understanding from books like History Begins at Sumer . You can get the same benefits as this book by binging Wikipedia.

[TediyraBH]

0226586561