The Origins and Diversity of Axial Age Civilizations (SUNY series in Near Eastern Studies)

This book presents a new and original analysis of the great ancient civilizations, focusing on the breakthroughs and their institutionalization in Greece, Israel, China, and India. The conditions under which these civilizations developed are systematically explored. For comparative purposes, the civilization of Assyria, where such a breakthrough did not take place is analyzed. Attention is given to the transformation of modes of thought and symbolism. Special focus is brought to the development of the great religions and the perception of tension between the transcendental and mundane orders and between rulers and other elites. Edited By S.n. Eisenstadt. Papers Presented ... In A Conference On The Origins And Diversity Of Axial Age Civilizations--the First Of Three Conferences ... Sponsored By The Werner-reimer Stiftung At Bad Homburg, The Truman Research Institute, And The Van Leer Jerusalem Foundation ... January 4-8, 1983, At The Seat Of The Werner-reimer Stiftung At Bad Homburg--pref. Bibliography: P. 485-556.