Originally published in 1988, the traditional Eurocentric view of state formation and the rise of civilisations is vigorously challenged in this broad-ranging and innovative volume. By bringing archaeological research into contact with the work of ethno-historians and anthropologists, and by constantly challenging trends in interpretation, State and Society offers analyses of political centralization and resistance to it in a diverse range of historical and geographical contexts.

John Gledhill was, at the time of original publication, at University College London.

Barbara Bender was, at the time of original publication, at University College London.

Mogens Trolle Larsen was, at the time of original publication, Director of the Centre for Research in the Humanities at Copenhagen University.