Elites and Sheep

In response to Liverani, I would like to challenge a few of his claims. First a claim about the actions of social elites, and second a claim about the reason for so many sheep remains found. The claim of social elites not gaining more power with the increasing centralized administration (30) seems plausible, but there must have been some elites who tried to extend their individual wealth with the opportunity. An increase in wealth can translate as power, especially since Liverani places such a high value on the economy source of power (even if the power is not directly exercised). However, it is likely that some elites would preach their ideology for control over and cooperation of non-elites, while living their own life under different ideology. Liverani agrees that merchants who are given the freedom to trade try to maximize their profits as much they can (43), as well as bring home the expected value for the centralized administration. I do not see how this would be much different for elites who are supposed redistribute wealth.

Liverani stats that the increased number of sheep remains are associated with the high demand of the textile industry (39). Sequential phases required for wool production (and other textiles) makes the textile industry more difficult to keep at a domestic level, and thus it could become more centralized and offer more production. Nevertheless, sheep prove beneficial for many other reasons besides textile production. Sheep close to death could be skinned or eaten. Sheep horn or hoofs can be used as material for goods. Sheep that are living offer sheep’s milk and fertilizer from their waste product. Sheep are also easily transported compared to many other animals, such as pigs, so more farmers may have chosen to keep sheep. It seems like the booming textile industry could account for some of the increase number in sheep, but it seems farfetched that it is the sole reason.