Socio-political Structure of Shahr-e Sukhteh in the 3rd Millennium B.C.

Socio-political Structure of Shahr-e Sukhteh in the 3rd Millennium B.C.

Volume 9, Issue 2
June 2018

Pages 29-64

Abstract

The study of complex societies between prehistoric archaeologists is in the basins of attraction, these years. Approach to this issue with different attitudes has been led to variety of methods, classifications and terms stated in tens of articles, books and speeches. When archaeologist speak about sociocultural complexity usually rank societies on the scales of complexity. Power relation and political economy in complex societies have discussed the position of nobles, king or rulers and through these discussions are born consepts such as hiararchy and heterarchy.

Referring to predefined models, In Study of sociopolitical structure of archaic societies doesn’t allow researchers to see the differences between societies. Based on evidences that we will mention, Shahr-i Sokhta is one of those societies that in 3^rd millennium BC, is different in form and organization from synchronic societies. In this article, we will pay our attention to evidences such as architecture, burials, administration artifacts and Settlement pattern influenced by sociopolitical structure in Shahr-i Sokhta, to understand what kind of power relation and sociopolitical structure belongs to this society and whether they were organized by a ruler or nobles.

Keywords

Sociopolitical structure

Shahr-i Sokhta

3rd Millennium BC

Hierarchy

heterarchy

Subjects

History

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