Definition: Archaeologists use the term Urban Revolution to refer to the suite of behaviors that seem to occur at the same time as people begin to move into cities. These behaviors are considered innovations, such as the cultivation and domestication of crops, the herding of animals, the mass production of objects (such as using a wheel to make pottery or making sheet metal to produce metal tools), a writing system to maintain accounts, and the like. These elements can be found in most of the urban societies around the world.
Generally the archaeologist most associated with the concept of Urban Revolution is V. G. Childe, who was influential in many cross-cultural studies of the past, looking for general patterns across the world.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
Generally the archaeologist most associated with the concept of Urban Revolution is V. G. Childe, who was influential in many cross-cultural studies of the past, looking for general patterns across the world.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
