One category of centralized kingdoms even bigger
and more complex than that of the Zulus consists of vast, highly centralized,
hierarchical, densely populated, dynastic political and social entities deriving
their economic and political wealth from agricultural lands with complex irrigation
systems. Karl Wittfogel calls this category “hydraulic society” or “Oriental
Despotism.”21 As Wittfogel points out, the central authorities of such societies
had massive military resources at their disposal to subjugate and terrorize their
populations.