Institute for the Study of the Origins of Civilization

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The Great Sphinx, Giza, Egypt. (Photo credit: R. Schoch and C. Ulissey.)
Overview of the archaeological complex of Göbekli Tepe, southeastern Turkey. (Photo credit: R. Schoch and C. Ulissey.)

 

Scholars associated with the Institute for the Study of the Origins of Civilization are exploring and critically evaluating new narratives of the rise and demise of civilization. Fundamental questions of concern include:

Statue of a man (“Urfa Man”) dating back to the time of Göbekli Tepe. This statue was found during excavations beneath the old town section of Urfa, which is the closest major city to Göbekli Tepe. (Photo credit: R. Schoch and C. Ulissey.)
  • How do we define civilization?
  • How do we recognize civilization in the archaeological record?
  • What are the ingredients and driving forces leading to civilization?
  • What factors underlie the collapse of civilization? In particular, what caused the demise of early civilization evidenced at the end of the last ice age?

What relevance does the study of early civilization have for modern society and modern civilization?(Arguably, today’s sophisticated technological civilization is highly vulnerable to both natural and human-induced catastrophes. The truism that we can learn from the past is perhaps more important and relevant than ever before.)

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Pillar detail, Göbekli Tepe, southeastern Turkey. (Photo credit: R. Schoch and C. Ulissey.)
Pillars and secondary walls, Göbekli Tepe, southeastern Turkey. (Photo credit: R. Schoch and C. Ulissey.)

Currently in its incipient stages, it is intended that the ISOC will network and grow to be a major force in the field. Recognized scholars and graduate students can become affiliates of the ISOC. The Institute is actively seeking external support and funds to further its objectives, including through field research, fellowships, and visiting lecturers. Directed studies at both the undergraduate and graduate level can be arranged, supervised, and administered through the ISOC. Plans are being made to host a biannual international conference addressing topics relevant to the origins of civilization.

Affiliate Members

Institutional Affiliate Member:
California Institute for Human Science

Professional Affiliate Members:
Thomas G. Brophy, Ph.D.
Manu Seyfzadeh, M.D., Ph.D.

Media Coverage

Contact

For more information, please contact the Director of the ISOC, Robert M. Schoch, schoch@bu.edu.