An archeological revolution transforms our image of human freedoms Essays

An archaeological revolution is reshaping our understanding of ancient populations and human freedoms. Historians suggest that the majority of people in the past lived under imperial rule, implying that empires were natural and preferred structures for societies. This perception has deep historical roots, portraying life outside empires as chaotic and unproductive. Empires often depicted tribal life on their frontiers as violent and uncivilized, justifying their own dominance. However, recent research challenges these views, revealing new insights into ancient urban civilizations previously overlooked. Scholars caution against relying solely on outdated sources like the 1978 Atlas of World Population History for making grand claims about past societies. The evolving field of archaeology, with advancements in settlement archaeology and survey methods, is uncovering rich urban traditions that existed beyond the realms of powerful empires. This ongoing shift in archaeological perspectives prompts a reevaluation of historical narratives and challenges long-held assumptions about the nature of ancient societies and human freedoms.