Physical Anthropology and Archaeology Review chap 13

The flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions relevant to the study of physical anthropology and archaeology.

Civilization

An urban society characterized by a political unit with centralized authority and distinct social classes.

State

A political unit with centralized decision making affecting a large population, typically featuring cities and public buildings.

Egalitarian Society

A society in which all individuals of a given age-sex category have equal access to economic resources, power, and prestige.

Chiefdom

A political unit with a chief at its head, integrating more than one community but not necessarily the whole society.

Cuneiform

A system of writing invented by the Sumerians around 3000 B.C., characterized by wedge-shaped symbols.

Hieroglyphics

A form of writing using pictorial symbols, as used in ancient Egypt and Mayan sites.

Irrigation Theory

A theory suggesting that the administrative needs of maintaining irrigation systems led to the formation of states.

Circumscription Theory

A theory proposing that states emerge when competition and warfare in limited areas lead to the subordination of defeated groups.

Trade Theory

A theory positing that the organizational needs of producing and distributing traded goods foster state formation.

Urbanization

The process of cities growing or being formed, often accompanied by increases in population density.

Social Stratification

The hierarchical arrangement of individuals in a society, often based on wealth, power, and prestige.

Population Growth

An increase in the number of inhabitants in a population, often leading to societal changes and challenges.

Environmental Degradation

The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources, destruction of ecosystems, and pollution.

Collapse of States

The process by which a state loses its political and social structure, often leading to societal transformation or failure.

Mesoamerica

A historical and cultural region extending from central Mexico to northern Central America, known for its ancient civilizations.

Monumental Architecture

Large structures built for public or ceremonial purposes, often indicative of a society’s complexity and organizational capability.