Gods, Grain & Government: formation of states in Mesopotamia & Egypt [DHOC 3]

In lecture 3 of the Deep History of Civilization module, we examine the formation of the first states in Mesopotamia and Egypt, discussing: 0:00 The Potter’s Kiln as the First Laboratory of Mankind 1:09 Proto-Polities and long-distance networks of trade 3:45 Rise of Elites and Social Differentiation 4:20 The Dialogue of Sheep and Grain: a Sumerian Creation Myth 8:30 The Sumerian Idea of Civilization: divine accumulation 13:50 Kingship in Ancient Egypt: the civilisational state 19:09 Mythology and State Ideology 20:55 Political Order in Mesopotamia v Egypt EXTENDED Podcast Version here : -- Previous Lectures: 1. Deep History of Civilization: James Scott’s Against the Grain [1] : 2. Deep History of Civilization: World Systems Theory [2]: -- Related p