How War Began (Volume 10)

Texas A&M University Anthropology Series

by Keith F. Otterbein

Have humans always fought and killed each other, or did they peacefully coexist until states developed? Is war an expression of human nature or an artifact of civilization? Questions about the origin and inherent motivations of warfare have long engaged philosophers, ethicists, anthropologists as they speculate on the nature of human existence. In How War Began , author Keith F. Otterbein draws on primate behavior research, archaeological research, data gathered from the Human Relations Area Files, and a career spent in research and reflection on war to argue for two separate origins. He identifies two types of military one which developed two million years ago at the dawn of humankind, wherever groups of hunters met, and a second which developed some five thousand years ago, in four identifiable regions, when the first states arose and proceeded to embark upon military conquests. In carefully selected detail, Otterbein marshals the evidence for his case that warfare was possible and likely among early Homo sapiens. He argues from analogy with other primates, from Paleolithic rock art depicting wounded humans, and from rare skeletal remains with embedded weapon points to conclude that warfare existed and reached a peak in big game hunting societies. As the big game disappeared, so did warfare—only to reemerge once agricultural societies achieved a degree of political complexity that allowed the development of professional military organizations. Otterbein concludes his survey with an analysis of how despotism in both ancient and modern states spawns warfare. A definitive resource for anthropologists, social scientists and historians, How War Began is written for all who are interested in warfare and individuals who seek to understand the past and the present of humankind.

Genres: War, History, Military Fiction

310 pages, Paperback

First published November 10, 2004

Reviews

[Hazel · Rating 2 out of 5]

had to read this for uni- not bad overall. he drones on at times which can put you to sleep real fast. he has a lot of good points and makes a convincing argument, i just wish the writing was a little more compact. it could've been shorter, that's for sure. but if you really care (or have to read this like i did) you're in for an okay time. i'd give it a 2.5 if goodreads allowed it.

[Dutchermann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I use excerpts of this text in world history and history of the Ancient Americas. It provides a good chance to discuss the types of evidence he uses upon which to draw conclusions, and I like the comparisons among societies. Students generally find it interesting and accessible.

[William Kirkland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished How War Began much informed by Otterbein's archaeological, anthropological, historical research and analysis. Not only are close arguments made for his interpretation of the data, but we get a fair overview of the disputes in the field — how the Hawks put together the puzzle, and how the Doves. His own “resolution” that war (or war-like behavior) rose at two different times in human history is very interesting and, to my eyes, plausible, but it also seems to be a big house built on a remarkably small foundation of evidence. As he says in conclusion, more discoveries may prove or disprove his theory.

For full review, see http://www.allinoneboat.org/2017/05/0...

[Caelan Winans · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although upon initial reading, I hated this book; it was long, and for Dr. Issacs Shadow of War class hosted at Longwood University. (Which is the only way I could ever think of anyone reading this book again.) I have come to realize while trying to get my degree in history that this books is a very useful source for the phycology of warfare. In fact, my friend group still has common slang such as F.I.G's (Fraternal Intrest Group's) that we still use in our note-taking today. So, while I don't ever recommend reading this book outside of a school or scholarly setting, it is a very useful tool.