Archaeology Anthropology and Cult

The Chalcolithic period was formative in Near Eastern prehistory being a time of fundamental social change in craft specialization horticulture and temple life. Gilat - a low mound semi-communal farming settlement in the Negev desert - is one of the few Chalcolithic sanctuary sites in the Southern Levant. 'Archaeology Anthropology and Cult' presents a critical analysis of the archaeological data from Gilat. The book brings together archaeological finds and anthropological theory to examine the role of religion in the evolution of society and the power of ritual in promoting change. This comprehensive volume which includes artefact drawings photographs maps and data tables will be of interest to students and scholars of ancient history anthropology archaeology as well as biblical and religious studies.