This volume addresses the nature of contemporary archaeology and the study of social change, and debates the transition from perceived simple, egalitarian societies to the complex power structures and divisions of our modern world. Since the 18th century, archaeologists have examined complexity in terms of successive types of societies, from early bands, tribes, chiefdoms and states, through stages of social evolution, including "savagery", "barbarism" and "civilization", to the present state of complexity and inequality. The book explains the often ambiguous terms of "complexity", "hierarchy" and "inequality" and provides a critical account of the Anglo-American research since 1960 which has heavily influenced the subject. In this look at theories of social complexity and the relevance of archaeology to modern society, Robert Chapman challenges the established arguments, supporting his radical alternative analysis of early state societies with a detailed case study of the later prehistoric societies of the Western Mediterranean. He stresses the need for a more even engagement between Anglo-American and other archaeologists on issues of archaeological theory and practice.