Antiquities of Northern Tibet

Details the pioneering exploration of archaeological sites on the highest parts of the Tibetan plateau conducted by the author on the Changthang circuit expedition in 1999. This fascinating 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. After orienting the reader to the field of pre-Buddhist studies the book proceeds to examine around 120 archaeological sites. Most of these sites, documented for the first time, provide startling proof of the extant of civilization in prehistoric Tibet. Many types of pre-Buddhist monuments are surveyed including megaliths, castles, tombs, temples, villages and cave hermitages. The ancient sites documented are placed in both mythological and scientific context. 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.