This book explores the long-term trends in the development of what was the first complex civilization in history, the Old Kingdom of Egypt (c. 2650–2200 BC), the period that saw the construction of eternal monuments such as Djoser's Step Pyramid complex in Saqqara, the pyramids of the great Fourth Dynasty kings in Giza, and spectacular tombs of high officials throughout Egypt. The present study aims to show that the historical trajectory of the period was marked by specific processes that characterize most of the world's civilizations: the role of the ruling elite, the growth of bureaucracy, the proliferation of interest groups, and adaptation to climate change, to name but a few―and the way that these processes held the germ of ultimate collapse. The case is made that the rise and fall of the Old Kingdom state is of relevance to the study of the anatomy of development of any complex civilization.
The volume is dedicated to the concept of collapse as reflected through different kinds of historical and environmental evidence. A total of twenty-eight in-depth studies provide a heterogenous analysis of the collapse and regeneration processes in societies and civilizations separated in space in time. The individual chapters vary in their locations, characteristics, and age. They contribute invaluable observations, both general and specific, concerning the fluctuation of complexity within human history and its consequences for respective societies developing in different contexts – focusing on their inner processes or their ability (or failure) to adapt to environmental dynamics. The outcome may be surprising to some readers as most contributions demonstrate many universal features that connect mankind regardless of its variables such as attained technological stage, degree of complexity, or external factors such as climate change. It is hoped that the present book may serve not only as a textbook about our common past but also as a source of inspiration for how we view the world and its possible futures.
Sedm zákonů. Jak se civilizace rodí, rostou a upadají
(Brno 2021, in Czech)
Our civilization, level of technology and knowledge in general, maturity of communications and medical care, and level of affluence speak for themselves. However, we can also observe that, as in the past, we face familiar challenges today, such as the growth of bureaucracy, the functioning or failure of elites, the role of the social contract and leaders, the abundance or lack of energy resources, economic crises or the (in)ability to adapt to changes in the natural environment. There are also completely new challenges such as a world enveloped in global communication, social networks, information overload, the gap between accumulated knowledge and real knowledge, the human capacity to massively alter its natural environment, epidemics and many others.
The Seven Laws offers the opportunity to look at today's world as part of a long time series of histories, processes, and sub-events whose characteristics reveal that there are seven universal laws to which all civilizations are subject. And so do we.
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