Civilization History of Central Asia, Volume 1: The Dawn of Civilization: Ancient Times to 700 BC

Author: A.H. Dani, V.M. Masson-Olivier
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-01-01
Features: Volume I of The History of Civilizations of Central Asia traces the human history of this vast region from the Paleolithic era to around 700 BCE, when the great Achaemenid Empire laid the foundation for its establishment. The earliest history is confirmed by the discovery of Paleolithic tools, with part of the background of Peking Man being the Paleolithic; meanwhile, excavations from Turkmenistan and Tajikistan to the Indus River Valley fully reflect the stage of food production. What is most important is that the great civilizations of the Bronze Age demonstrate the earliest urbanization process from the Indus River to the Amu Darya, proving that extensive trade had been conducted between different regions. Equally important are the stories of nomadic tribes, such as the Indo-Aryan story, where the history of the Indo-Aryans is observed from the correct perspective based on the archaeological evidence obtained. This volume presents new evidence, challenges repeated concepts, and employs skilled techniques to reveal the dawn of Central Asian civilizations.