Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (740 page)

Centrally situated focal point where a number of individuals or communities could come together for trading and exchange. Possibly also a
HABITATION SITE
.

 
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Network of economic exchange linking companies or countries.

 
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In American archaeology this term refers to styles of artefact, assemblages of tools or other items of material culture, architectural styles, economic practices, or artistic styles that last longer than a phase or the duration of a horizon. The idea of a tradition implies a degree of cultural continuity even if there are local or regional patterns in the archaeological material. The term was defined in its modern usage by G. Willey and P. Phillips in 1955, although the word had been widely used in a variety of ways before that time, and continues to be variously and less specifically applied. The
ARCTIC SMALL TOOL TRADITION
is a good example of the way the term applies: persistent technological or cultural patterns identified by characteristic artefact forms. These persistent forms outlast a single phase and can occur over a wide area.

 
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State-based societies in which the main basis of production is agriculture or pastoralism. Traditional states are often referred to as ‘early civilizations’.

 
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A proposed observable distinguishing feature or characteristic of an artefact, structure, or some other element of material culture.

 
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Roman emperor ad 98–117.

 
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