How is it that humanity went from small, mostly egalitarian bands of hunter-gatherers foraging from the land to vast centralised empires?

What caused the development of rigid and oppressive hierarchies, bureaucracies, armies, god-kings, and irrigated agriculture? Was it all inevitable?

In today's episode, we explore the most momentous transformation of human society ever to have existed. Tune in for some anthropology, history, and political economics.

Unfortunately, the recording of this episode ran into some technical issues, and only 8 minutes are present here. One day, I'll record it again but even better! Until then, enjoy those glorious 480 seconds.