Author Description

The civilizations of Asia rose over a vast territory that stretched from the region of modern Afganistan and the Aral Sea to Japan and Korea, and from Sri Lanka (former Ceylon) to islands of Southeast Asia. Encyclopedia of Ancient Asian Civilizations is the first work to bring together the complete range of early Eastern states under one cover, from the Indus Valley civilization in approximately 3,000 B.C.E. through the Cambodian empires of Funan, Chenla, and Angkor that lasted until the 15th century. In many cases the civilizations included here have thus far been treated only marginally in the English language. The encyclopedia begins with a lengthy introduction to the history of the region, followed by approximately 900 detailed, A-to-Z entries that cover archaeological sites, agricultural and economic development, personalities and political institutions, as well as articles on religion, trade, warfare, and other important topics. Fifty black-and-white photographs and illustrations, four maps, cross-references, a chronology, further readings, a bibliography, and an index make the information easily accessible. Encyclopedia of Ancient Asian Civilizations is a resource for students researching the subject, as well as a useful scholarly reference.