This volume is dedicated to the historical context forming the background of contemporary philosophical, social and economic issues. It summarises the origins of economic activity in Eurasia and Egypt with an interpretation of the development of economics, economic thought and social thinking that takes us up to the present day. It argues that globalisation is not really new. Transpacific communications began shortly after the first states appeared in the Near East and continued intermittently during the following millennia, leaving curious traces. The book’s fundamental claim is that lessons be learnt from deep history about wealth, the nature of money, and the understanding of justice, and interpreting their importance is essential.

Some of the book’s points are relevant to archaeological theory, and some are central to understanding human social organisations. Debating the claims made, and their potential significance, will interest archaeologists, historians, social scientists, and policy makers.