Rome and historical sociology II: 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:

  • Ancient history and the challenge of sociology. Peter Eich (Freiburg).
  • Ancient history and early modern state formation. A new look at the concept of path dependence. Gunner Lind (Copenhagen).
  • Sociology and the challenge of ancient history. John Hall (McGill).
  • Pre-modern China and historical sociology. Lars-Emil Nybo Nissen (Copenhagen)
  • China-Rome comparisons, further thoughts. Justine Walter (Leipzig).