Antiquities of Northern Tibet

Antiquities of Northern Tibet: Pre-Buddhist Archaeological Discoveries on the High Plateau details the exploration of archaeological sites on the highest parts of the Tibetan plateau conducted by the author on his Changthang Circuit Expedition in 1999. This pioneering research lays the groundwork for pre-Buddhist studies in Tibet by Providing the requisite data needed to forge ahead in our understanding of prehistoric and protohistoric Tibet. The book begins with a comprehensive introduction to the pre-Buddhist culture, people and environment of Tibet. Particular attention is paid to why pre-historic man chose to permanently reside in one of the harshest environments in the world and to the adaptive religious strategies which were an integral part of the settlement process. Derived from his own fieldwork and translation of relevant Tibetan texts, as well as the research of other scholars, the author places the ancient sites he documents in both a mythological and scientific context. This backgroundinformation addresses questions pertaining to the identity of the sophisticated Metal Age civilization in Tibet, which in the 7th century CE entered its classical phase with the adoption of Indian Buddhism. After orienting the reader to the field of pre-Buddhist studies the book proceeds to examine around 120 archaeological sites located in the Byang thang and sTod regions of northern and western Tibet. Most of these sites, documented for the first time in this work, provide startling proof of the extent of civilization in prehistoric Tibet. This catalogue of archaeological sites is arranged thematically and includes descriptions and photographs of the physical remains, and textual and oral sources of information related to their history and function. Many types of pre-Buddhist archaeological monuments are surveyed including megaliths, castles, tombs, temples, villages and cave hermitages. The author reveals sites of exceptional historical and cultural value, opening a new chapter in Tibetological studies and one that will have long term implications for our understanding of the origins and development of civilization in Eurasia.