Modeling archaeological theory on complex systems theory: Questions on this and other topics for Norm Yoffee

In dispensing with a neo-evolutionary perspective as scientific bolstering for modeling polities, civilizations, cities and states, Yoffee replaces it with complex systems theory, which has it bases in non-equilibrium thermodynamic modeling (Yoffee 2005; 169). My own partiality to this type of modeling does not except it from suffering from its own sociohistorical particularity in the narratives that it supports.

Potential questions for Norm Yoffee:

• How does the idea of ‘crystallization’ of cities in Mesopotamia as a phase change caused by sufficient increases of flow (resources, people) through a system (Yoffee 2005; 230) conform to information about the development of Mesopotamian cities available from the archaeological record? Does the following linear model of phase transition apply: increased resource flow, increased activity, a phase transition of structures coming into place without an increase in activity, and then further activity within the phase?

• Do you see evidence for complex interaction spheres (Yoffee 2005; 230) that are more heterarchical than hierarchical? Complexity as differentiation of concentration, creating potential, and capacity for resource flow, resultant self-organisation of structure.

• From the discussion on collapse: “subscription to Mesopotamian cultural norms no longer provided any impact in…offical life or in economic activities” (159).

• What entails the political sustainability of a civilization?

• “the larger social order and set of shared values in which states are culturally embedded as ‘civilization’” Multiple polities in civilization: Is the ‘Uruk expansion’ an example of this? As defined by Uruk ware?

Yes: “The effects of southern Mesopotamian presence as a cultural hegemony remained (in the form of Mesopotamian gods and beliefs, literature, and education, which persisted for the next two and a half millenniums” (Yoffee 2005; 213)

References Yoffee, Norman; 2005. Myths of the archaic state : evolution of the earliest cities, states and civilizations. Cambridge University Press.