Description
Book SynopsisCentral Asia Cultures, Arts, and Architecture presents a journey through time, analyzing the history of Central Asian cultures, arts, and architecture since prehistoric times. It includes documentation of historical, cultural, artistic, and architectural accomplishments, and combines writings based on archaeological excavations and research of prehistoric, ancient, and medieval sites, as well as translations of ancient and medieval historical sources by Russian, Chinese, and other indigenous scholars. For over seven thousand years, Central Asian residents have left a record of distinguished cultural artifacts. Like creators of any age or period, they sought to respond as creatively as possible to the necessities of their societies as a whole, and those of their individual patrons. In doing so, as this book reveals, they have given us a timeless source through which we can detect the dynamic stages of their creativity throughout history, as well as the breath of our own rich cultural an
Trade Review“A lucid and readable introduction to the art of an important region of the world, this book will be very useful to students." - Ruth Vanita, University of Montana -- Ruth Vanita, University of Montana
"A sweeping survey of the material and artistic culture of the peoples of Central Asia from the paleolithic era to the medieval period, this thoroughly-researched book takes a fresh look at a rich and varied region at the nexus of east and west." –Robert H. Greene, University of Montana -- Robert H. Greene, University of Montana
As with the previous edition, this elegant and erudite book introduces students and scholars alike to Inner Eurasia as a world region of major significance today. With meticulous attention to little known archaeological and historical sources from the former Soviet Union as well as contemporary scholars from the region, the medieval Golden Age of Samarkand and other major urban centers are contextualized by much older cultural accomplishments of the prehistoric peoples of Central Asia. A richly woven past revealed through excavations and archival descriptions of material culture, this book deserves a wide readership for its synthesis of anthropology and archeology, art, history, and regional world studies. -- G.G. Weix, University of Montana
Ardi Kia makes a thorough and in-depth examination of the different stages of history in all areas of central Asia. The second edition of Central Asian Cultures, Arts, and Architecture is definitely a valuable resource for students and faculty. -- Zhen Cao, University of Montana
Table of ContentsChapter 1: A Short History of Excavation and Research in Central Asia Western provinces of Central Asia: Early Excavations Chapter 2: Prehistoric Cultures & Artifacts of Central Asia Paleolithic Era Chapter 3: Copper Age: Pottery, Metalwork & Weaving Products Eneolithic Period 3500 - 1700 BC Chapter 4: The Steppe Bronze Age Northern Cultures & Arts of Central Asia Chapter 5 : Iron Age Establishment of the First Empires Chapter 6: Eastern Parts of Central Asia: Prehistoric and Ancient times Satrapy of Bakhtaran (Bactra) and Kushan Empire Chapter 7: Central Asian Bronze Age Urban Civilization Boom in Southern Central Asia Chapter 8: Satrapy of Parthia Parthian Empire Chapter 9: Sassannian Empire: The Birth of A State Religion Royal Art / Religious Art Chapter 10: Satrapy of Soghdia (Soghdiana) Prehistoric & Ancient Culture & Art
