civilizationseach

civilizationseach is an interdisciplinary research program focused on the systematic study of human societies across different historical periods and geographic regions. The project was launched in 2022 by a consortium of universities and think‑tanks in response to a growing need for comparative analysis of social, technological, and cultural developments. Its primary objective is to create a comprehensive database that documents key indicators of societal complexity, such as governance structures, economic systems, technological innovations, and patterns of social stratification, for civilizations from prehistory to the present day.

The methodology combines historical analysis, archaeological evidence, linguistic data, and digital modeling. Scholars collect and digitize primary sources, including manuscripts, inscriptions, and ethnographic records, and then apply quantitative metrics to assess the level of centralization, resource distribution, and innovation diffusion. The program also employs geospatial analysis to map the spread of ideas and technologies, and uses network theory to examine interactions among societies.

Civilizationseach has produced a series of peer‑reviewed publications on topics such as the rise of bureaucracy in Mesopotamia, the diffusion of ironworking from West Africa, and the reconstruction of trade networks in the Indus Valley. It also hosts annual workshops that encourage collaboration among historians, archaeologists, economists, and data scientists.

A key feature of civilizationseach is its open‑access data portal, which allows researchers worldwide to contribute and retrieve information. The portal includes interactive timelines, mapping tools, and downloadable datasets. By promoting transparency and collaboration, civilizationseach aims to enhance our understanding of societal evolution and the factors that drive resilience and transformation across cultures.