Hello everyone,
I've recently signed onto the list and have been listening to the ongoing
conversation with great interest. I have just come upon world-systems in my
studies and have a request.
I am particularly interested in the utility of this paradigm in studying
ancient empires. Specifically, my topic deals with the interaction between
the Roman Empire, the Meroitic Kingdom (Sudan) and the Aksumite Kingdom
(Ethiopia) from 400BCE to 500CE. Both Meroitic and Aksumite kingdoms can be
conceived of as are far-outlying peripheries -- they supplied the Roman core
with raw materials from their own territory as well as from interioir
Africa, but were (extremely) politically independent. However, their
economies were interdependent to such a point that a loss of trade with the
Roman Empire led to the Meroitic collapse.
As I am just beginning to understand world-systems theory I am in dire need
of references. Particularly, I am looking for more information on ancient
world-empires, a case study or two, and theoretical critiques of the
application of world-systems in archaeology as well as practical
on-the-ground methodology. Of course, I've been through CU and internet
resources and have had only marginal success. Any help is appreciated !
Kharyssa Rhodes
Graduate Student
Archaeology Teaching Assistant
University of Colorado
Department of Anthropology
1380 Lawrence Street #400
Denver, Colorado 80217