Some claim the earliest bronze production in the world occurred in South-east Asia; others say it occurred elsewhere. This book presents the debate surrounding the Bronze Age in the Indochina region, providing a systematic and regional presentaton of the current state of knowledge. It illuminates the question of indigenous technological evolution, contrasted with influence from neighbouring civilisations - in this case Southern China. Higham suggests that the the adoption of metallurgy, copper and tin smelting took place in South-east Asia following a period of trading with China, which provided the exotic bronzes. Using a thematic approach, he provides an up-to-date account of the South-east Asian and Chinese Bronze Age, documenting evidence site by site. This is the first time these regions have integrated in research to provide an understanding of how and why their distinct cultures developed.Tracing developments right through to the Iron Age, Higham identifies the distinct regional developments that anticipate the transition into the first Southeast Asia states.

Some claim the earliest bronze working in the world occurred in South-east Asia; others dispute this. This book is an up-to-date account the Bronze Age of South-east Asia, exploring the controversy in depth.
Reviews
"An indispensable work for those interested in archaeology at all levels." C.C. Lamberg-Karlovsky, Choice
"Higham is to be congratulated for having integrated an enormous amount of data, based on over two decades of fieldwork in eastern and northeastern Thailand, as well as extensive travels in Southeast Asia and China, into one very readable text." Rasmi Shoocongdej, Crossroads
"Higham is to be congratulated for having integrated an enormous amount of data...into one readable text. ...this volume will remain an essential reference for scholars and students for some time to come." Crossroads



Book Information
ISBN 9780521565059
Author Charles Higham
Format Paperback
Page Count 400
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 690g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 191mm * 21mm