The Flow of Power: Ancient Water Systems and Landscapes

by Vernon L. Scarborough

A major contribution to one of the central themes in social theory, this book integrates multiple case studies of the relationship between water control and social organization. Substantial in empirical detail and featuring powerful theoretical extensions, Scarborough's analysis encompasses early Harappan society in South Asia, highland Mexico, the Maya lowlands, north-central Sri Lanka, the prehistoric American Southwest, and Bronze Age Greece. This book is the first longitudinal study to consider water management worldwide since Karl Wittfogel put forth his "hydraulic societies" hypothesis nearly two generations ago, and it draws together the diverse debates that seminal work inspired. In so doing, Scarborough offers new models for cross-cultural analysis and prepares the ground for new examinations of power, centralization, and the economy.

224 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2003

About the author

Vernon Lee Scarborough is an American academic anthropologist and archaeologist, known for his research and publications on settlement, land use and water management practices of archaic and Pre-industrial society.

Reviews

[Richard Hedrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful synthesis of, and rationale for the study of, the variety of interactions between ancient landscapes, engineered water systems, and people. Scarborough has: "attempted to address [admirably] the question of how we culturally allocate water and the labor force that redirects it." "In short [he tells us after 165 pages😊], the study of water management affords the best chance for a truly cross-cultural understanding of resource use and control and the key elements of power."