This text presents comparative studies of early states in the Old and New Worlds. It addresses the ways in which ancient states were structured and operated.

Introduction, Joyce Marcus and Gary M. Feinman
the ground plans of archaic states, Kent V. Flannery
the peaks and valleys of ancient states - an extension of the dynamic model, Joyce Marcus
scale and social organization - perspectives on the archaic state, Gary M. Feinman
beyond centralization - steps towards a theory of egalitarian behaviour in archaic states, Richard E. Blanton
Uruk states in southeastern Iran, Henry T. Wright
order, legitimacy and wealth in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, John Baines and Noman Yoffee
sociocultural complexity without the state - the Indus civilization, Gregory L. Possehl
Inka strategies of incorporation and governance, Cragi Morris
warfare and status rivalry - lowland Maya and Polynesian comparisons, David Webster.