Akkermans P.M.M.G., Schwartz G.M. The Archaeology of Syria: From Complex Hunter-Gatherers to Early Urban Societies (c.16,000-300 BC)

Cambridge University Press, 2003. — 467 p. — (Cambridge World Archaeology). — ISBN: 0-521-79230-4.This book is the first comprehensive presentation of the archaeology of Syria from the end of the Paleolithic period to 300 BC. Although Syria has been the focus of intensive excavations for decades, no large-scale review of the results of these excavations has ever appeared until now. Syria is one of the prime areas of excavation and archaeological field work in the Middle East, and Peter Akkermans and Glenn Schwartz outline the many important finds yielded by Syria, before providing their own perspectives and conclusions.Hunter-gatherers at the end of the Ice Age.
A changing perspective: Neolithic beginnings.
The exploration of new horizons.
Continuity and change in the late sixth and fifth millennia BC.
The fourth millennium BC and the Uruk intrusion.
Regionalization and local trajectories.
The "second urban revolution" and its aftermath.
The regeneration of complex societies.
Empires and internationalism.
Iron Age Syria.
Conclusions.