David Wengrow, an esteemed archaeologist and anthropologist, delves into the complexities of ancient societies and the roots of slavery in conversation with the hosts. He challenges conventional beliefs about hierarchy, suggesting prior egalitarian cultures existed even before agriculture. Wengrow unveils fascinating findings from archaeological sites, like the comfort of pyramid builders, and sheds light on the intricate labor dynamics of ancient Egypt. His insights weave a rich tapestry, questioning what we think we know about history and social structures.
Early societies developed political structures without resorting to the worst excesses of inequality and slavery.
The construction of the Egyptian pyramids involved a combination of free and unfree labor, challenging the notion of slavery.
Ancient societies, such as the Indus Valley civilization, did not always adhere to rigid hierarchical structures.
Deep dives
Slavery at the beginnings of human existence
The podcast episode focuses on slavery at the very beginnings of human existence, exploring the nature of early societies and their political organization. The episode challenges the conventional narrative that attributes the rise of civilization to the exploitation of the masses by elites, including the presence of slavery. It highlights that hunter-gatherer societies developed various political structures before the advent of agriculture, proving that the conventional story is largely inaccurate. The evidence suggests that the shift towards civilization and hierarchy does not necessarily entail the amplification of negative human instincts, such as enslaving others. The episode showcases examples of early societies that flourished and achieved prosperity without resorting to the worst excesses of inequality and slavery.
The construction of the Egyptian pyramids
The podcast episode challenges the popular notion that the Egyptian pyramids were built by slaves, highlighting that there is no direct evidence supporting this claim. Recent archaeological findings suggest that the construction of the pyramids involved a combination of free and unfree labor. The Workers' Town, located near the Giza Plateau, reveals evidence of a high standard of living for the laborers involved in the construction. Graffiti discovered on the blocks used for the pyramids indicate that the laborers referred to themselves as the Friends of the King. The episode emphasizes the complexity of labor organization during pyramid construction, with different tasks requiring various skill levels and different types of workforce. It suggests a more nuanced perspective that includes both free and unfree workers in the construction process.
The nature of societies in the ancient world
The episode explores the nature of societies in the ancient world, focusing on examples such as the Indus Valley civilization and the Mesopotamian kingdoms. It highlights that ancient societies did not always adhere to a rigid hierarchical structure. The Indus Valley civilization, known for its planned settlements and standardized living quarters, lacks evidence of a ruling class or aristocracy. Similarly, the Mesopotamian kingdoms, such as Sumer and Uruk, show evidence of complex labor organization that did not solely rely on mass slavery. The episode emphasizes the importance of considering a wide range of factors, such as social, economic, and political contexts, when examining the structure of ancient societies.
The absence of hierarchy in early settlements
The podcast episode discusses the absence of hierarchy in early settlements, specifically focusing on Mahendradaro in the Indus Valley civilization. The settlement, characterized by a lack of evidence for a ruling class or an aristocracy, challenges the traditional understanding of social organization. The absence of archaeologically visible hierarchy, along with the egalitarian nature of the settlement, suggests the possibility of a different societal structure. While the presence of a caste-like system cannot be ruled out, it would have likely been configured differently from later systems. The episode points to the complexities of identifying slavery and categorizing social structures solely through archaeological evidence, highlighting the need for a comprehensive understanding of historical contexts.
Reevaluating the construction of Stonehenge
The episode reevaluates the construction of Stonehenge and challenges the perception that it was built by slaves or through forced labor. Archaeological evidence from the settlement of Darrington Walls, located near Stonehenge, suggests a different perspective. The settlement, which housed the laborers involved in the construction, showcases evidence of a high standard of living and communal activities. The construction work is believed to have taken place during periods when people gathered for feasts and engaged in construction activities. The episode presents a more nuanced understanding of Stonehenge's construction, involving a combination of voluntary labor, skilled work crews, and seasonal gatherings.
Is slavery hardwired into society? Is hierarchy inevitable? Who built the pyramids? Listen as William and Anita are joined by David Wengrow to discuss slavery in the world’s most ancient civilizations.
