Rome and historical sociology I: The ancient state, whither next?

Following the publication of the Oxford Handbook of the State in the Ancient Near East and Mediterranean which was a sustained attempt to explore the purchase of state-formation theory on the ancient experience, these two workshops seek to take stock of the dialogue between pre-modern history and historical sociology. Where might we go from here?

Cross civilizational comparisons, world history, intensified engagement with the European experience or? What might the study of the ancient experience contribute to current debates about state-formation and politics? To set off discussion a number of informal talks will be presented discussing our agenda from various angles. All interested are welcome.

For further information please contact, Peter Fibiger Bang: pbang@hum.ku.dk

Programme:

• From the ancient Near East and Mediterranean to world history? Walter Scheidel (Stanford).
• The ancient state – and the European perspective. Peter Eich (Freiburg).
• Post-Roman, Post-Carolingian and Post-Abbasid: The afterlife of old empires in Europe and the Middle East. Jacob Tullberg (Copenhagen).
• Territoriality, Governmentality, and Colonial Rule: A Global History of the War on Non-Sedentary Peoples and Itinerant Cultures during the Long 19th Century. Martin Müller (Copenhagen).