Originally published as part of the "History of Civilization", this text was published during a period of historical discovery. The aim of the general editor was to summarize the most up to date findings and theories of historians, anthropologists, archaeologists and sociologists.

Originally published between 1920-70, the "History of Civilization" was published at a formative time within the social sciences, and during a period of decisive historical discovery. The aim of the general editor, C.K. Ogden, was to summarize the most up to date findings and theories of historians, anthropologists, archaeologists and sociologists. This reprinted material is available as a set or in the following groupings: "Prehistory and Historical Ethnography" set of 12 (0-415-15611-4, #800); "Greek Civilization" set of 7 (0-415-15612-2, #450); "Roman Civilization" set of 6 (0-415-15613-0, #400); "Eastern Civilizations" set of 10 (0-415-15614-9, #650); "Judaeo-Christian Civilization" set of 4 (0-415-15615-7, #250); "European Civilization" set of 11 (0-415-15616-5, #700).