De-civilisation

What does it mean to live in bodies shaped by millions of years of evolution for small-group survival, close connection with nature, and nomadic life - yet find ourselves trapped in sprawling cities, bound by office hours, and dependent on global trade to meet our basic needs? In this eye-opening book, archaeologist and broadcaster Dr Chloë Duckworth examines the foundations of civilization through the lens of ancient history. Drawing on rich archaeological case studies, De-Civilisation challenges the assumptions we make about farming, urbanism, money, literacy, religion, social divisions, and more. With clarity, wit, and deep expertise, Duckworth reveals why handbags mattered more than the wheel, how Bronze Age bling laid the groundwork for modern science, and why the story of civilization is not one of steady progress - but of trade-offs, losses, and complex gains. Equal parts history, anthropology, and survival guide, De-Civilisation invites readers to see the world as archaeologists do: full of meaning, shaped by choices, and ripe for rethinking. If society as we know it fell apart tomorrow, what knowledge would actually help us survive - and what might we finally let go? You'll never look at civilization - or yourself - the same way again...