economy

Seshat – Social Complexity Variables

Seshat – Social Complexity Variables

“This section of Seshat provides a detailed exploration of the diverse aspects that characterize past polities’ societal structures and advancements. It includes data on infrastructure like roads, bridges, and irrigation systems; administrative and governance systems such as courts, bureaucracies, and legal codes; and cultural and intellectual achievements, including writing systems, scientific literature, and sacred texts. This section also captures economic activities, including markets, trade emporia, and currency systems, as well as population dynamics and territorial extents. By coding these variables systematically, this section helps researchers analyze the development, complexity, and functionality of historical societies, offering a comprehensive view of how polities managed resources, facilitated communication, and maintained social order.”

Read more
Data type:
Seshat – Economy Variables

Seshat – Economy Variables

“This section of the database is dedicated to examining the production, provenance, and consumption of luxury items and goods across different strata of society. The data captures a wide array of luxury items such as precious metals, luxury fabrics, manufactured goods, spices, incense, and dyes, luxury drinks/alcohol, glass goods, fine ceramic wares, precious stones, statuary, and luxury food. These variables highlight the intersection of economy, culture, and social hierarchy.”

Read more
Data type:
The Letters of Richard Cobden Online

The Letters of Richard Cobden Online

Throughout his campaigns, Cobden used his personal correspondence as a key method of organising, persuading and sharing his own knowledge and experience, while also eliciting new information to help inform his speeches and pamphlets. His letters also give an insight into his private life, and the stresses and strains of agitation. The Letters of Richard Cobden (1804-1865) Online provides free access to digital transcripts of Cobden’s letters collected by the Letters of Richard Cobden Project, first established in 2002.

Read more
Data type: ,