Wiley Blackwell Studies in Global Archaeology – serie

Archaeologies of the Middle East provides an innovative introduction to the archaeology of this fascinating region and a window on both its past and present. Written by some of the top archaeologists of the Middle East: scholars from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of interests and intellectual approaches Coverage spans 100,000 years: from the Paleolithic to Hellenistic times Explores the connections between modern-day politics and the social context of archaeological practice and various underutilized approaches to archaeological interpretation Designed for student use

Archaeologies of the Middle East provides an innovative introduction to the archaeology of this fascinating region and a window on both its past and present. Written by some of the top archaeologists of the Middle East: scholars from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of interests and intellectual approaches Coverage spans 100,000 years: from the Paleolithic to Hellenistic times Explores the connections between modern-day politics and the social context of archaeological practice and various underutilized approaches to archaeological interpretation Designed for student use

Offering an alternative to traditional textbooks, Mesoamerican Archaeology: Theory and Practice places the reader in the middle of contemporary debates by top archaeologists actively exploring the major prehispanic societies of Central America. Offers a comprehensive introduction to the archaeology of Mesoamerica by focusing on key time periods, sites, and the issues these times and places require us to confront. Examines key moments in the Mesoamerican historical tradition, from the earliest villages where Olmec art flourished, to the Aztec and Maya City-states that Spanish invaders described in the 16th century. Engages the chronological benchmarks of precolumbian social development in Mesoamerica, such as the transition to village life, emergence of political stratification, and formation of Mesoamerican urban centers. Includes an extensive introduction by the editors that situates contemporary Mesoamerican archaeology in the broader terms of the social politics of archaeology. For further resources to use with this book - including study questions, maps and photographs - visit the website at www.blackwellpublishing.com/BSGA/mesoam

This book is a state-of-the-art introduction to the archaeology of Oceania, covering both Australia and the Pacific Islands. The first text to provide integrated treatment of the archaeologies of Australia and the Pacific IslandsEnables readers to form a coherent overview of cultural developments across the region as a wholeBrings together contributions from some of the region's leading scholarsFocuses on new discoveries, conceptual innovations, and postcolonial realpolitikChallenges conventional thinking on major regional and global issues in archaeology

This book is a state-of-the-art introduction to the archaeology of Oceania, covering both Australia and the Pacific Islands. The first text to provide integrated treatment of the archaeologies of Australia and the Pacific IslandsEnables readers to form a coherent overview of cultural developments across the region as a wholeBrings together contributions from some of the region's leading scholarsFocuses on new discoveries, conceptual innovations, and postcolonial realpolitikChallenges conventional thinking on major regional and global issues in archaeology

This volume offers a rich and informative introduction to North American archaeology for all those interested in the history and culture of North American natives. Organized around central topics and debates within the discipline. Illustrated with case studies based on the lives of real people, to emphasize human agency, cultural practice, the body, issues of inequality, and the politics of archaeological practice. Highlights current understandings of cultural and historical processes in North America and situates these understandings within a global perspective.

This volume offers a rich and informative introduction to North American archaeology for all those interested in the history and culture of North American natives. Organized around central topics and debates within the discipline. Illustrated with case studies based on the lives of real people, to emphasize human agency, cultural practice, the body, issues of inequality, and the politics of archaeological practice. Highlights current understandings of cultural and historical processes in North America and situates these understandings within a global perspective.

This book offers a comprehensive introduction to the archaeology of Mediterranean prehistory and an essential reference to the most recent research and fieldwork. Only book available to offer general coverage of Mediterranean prehistory Written by 14 of the leading archaeologists in the field Spans the Neolithic through the Iron Age, and draws from all the major regions of the Mediterranean's coast and islands Presents the central debates in Mediterranean prehistory---trade and interaction, rural economies, ritual, social structure, gender, monumentality, insularity, archaeometallurgy and the metals trade, stone technologies, settlement, and maritime traffic---as well as contemporary legacies of the region's prehistoric past Structure of text is pedagogically driven Engages diverse theoretical approaches so students will see the benefits of multivocality

This book offers a comprehensive introduction to the archaeology of Mediterranean prehistory and an essential reference to the most recent research and fieldwork. Only book available to offer general coverage of Mediterranean prehistory Written by 14 of the leading archaeologists in the field Spans the Neolithic through the Iron Age, and draws from all the major regions of the Mediterranean's coast and islands Presents the central debates in Mediterranean prehistory---trade and interaction, rural economies, ritual, social structure, gender, monumentality, insularity, archaeometallurgy and the metals trade, stone technologies, settlement, and maritime traffic---as well as contemporary legacies of the region's prehistoric past Structure of text is pedagogically driven Engages diverse theoretical approaches so students will see the benefits of multivocality

This book provides an introduction to one of the most fascinating and well-known centers of ancient civilization. Explores the rise of civilization in the Central Andes from the time of the region's earliest inhabitants to the emergence of the Inca state many thousands of years later.Comprised of 13 newly commissioned chapters written by leading archaeologists representing current thinking in the field.Presents the central debates in contemporary Inca and Andean archaeology.Progresses chronologically and culturally to reveal the processes by which multiple Andean societies became increasingly complex.

This book provides an introduction to one of the most fascinating and well-known centers of ancient civilization. Explores the rise of civilization in the Central Andes from the time of the region's earliest inhabitants to the emergence of the Inca state many thousands of years later.Comprised of 13 newly commissioned chapters written by leading archaeologists representing current thinking in the field.Presents the central debates in contemporary Inca and Andean archaeology.Progresses chronologically and culturally to reveal the processes by which multiple Andean societies became increasingly complex.

A unique and wide-ranging introduction to the major prehispanic and colonial societies of Mexico and Central America, featuring new and revised material throughoutMesoamerican Archaeology: Theory and Practice, Second Edition, provides readers with a diverse and well-balanced view of the archaeology of the indigenous societies of Mexico and Central America, helping students better understand key concepts and engage with contemporary debates and issues within the field. The fully updated second edition incorporates contemporary research that reflects new approaches and trends in Mesoamerican archaeology. New and revised chapters from first-time and returning authors cover the archaeology of Mesoamerican cultural history, from the early Gulf Coast Olmec, to the Classic and Postclassic Maya, to the cultures of Oaxaca and Central Mexico before and after colonization. Presenting a wide range of approaches that illustrate political, socio-economic, and symbolic interpretations, this textbook: Encourages students to consider diverse ways of thinking about Mesoamerica: as a linguistic area, as a geographic region, and as a network of communities of practiceRepresents a wide spectrum of perspectives and approaches to Mesoamerican archaeology, including coverage of the Postclassic and Colonial periodsEnables readers to think critically about how explanations of the past are produced, verified, and debatedIncludes accessible introductory material to ensure that students and non-specialists understand the chronological and geographic frameworks of the Mesoamerican traditionDiscusses recent developments in the contemporary theory and practice of Mesoamerican archaeologyPresents new and original research by a team of internationally recognized contributorsMesoamerican Archaeology: Theory and Practice, Second Edition, is ideal for use in undergraduate courses on the archaeology of Mexico and Central America, as well as for broader courses on the archaeology of the Americas.

A landmark introduction to the archaeology of Africa that challenges misconceptions & claims about Africa's past and teaches students how to evaluate these claims. Provides an unprecedented and exciting introduction to the archaeology of AfricaChallenges misconceptions & claims about Africa's past and teaches students how to evaluate these claimsIncludes a thoughtful introduction that explores the contexts that have shaped archaeological knowledge of Africa's pastLays out research questions that have shaped the contours of African archaeologyComprised of chapters specifically written for this volume by prominent archaeologists with regional and topical expertise

A landmark introduction to the archaeology of Africa that challenges misconceptions & claims about Africa's past and teaches students how to evaluate these claims. Provides an unprecedented and exciting introduction to the archaeology of AfricaChallenges misconceptions & claims about Africa's past and teaches students how to evaluate these claimsIncludes a thoughtful introduction that explores the contexts that have shaped archaeological knowledge of Africa's pastLays out research questions that have shaped the contours of African archaeologyComprised of chapters specifically written for this volume by prominent archaeologists with regional and topical expertise

This introduction to the archaeology of Asia focuses on case studies from the region’s last 10,000 years of history. Comprises fifteen chapters by some of the world’s foremost Asia archaeologistsSheds light on the most compelling aspects of Asian archaeology, from the earliest evidence of plant domestication to the emergence of states and empiresExplores issues of cross-cultural significance, such as migration, urbanism, and technologyPresents original research data that challenges readers to think beyond national and regional boundariesSynthesizes work previously unavailable to western readers

This volume offers lively current debates and case studies in historical archaeology selected from around the world, including North America, Latin America, Africa, the Pacific, and Europe. Authored by 19 experts in the field.Explores how historical archaeologists think about their work, piecing together information from both material culture and documents in an attempt to understand the lives of the people and societies they study.Engages with current theory in an accessible manner.Truly global in its approach but avoids subsuming local experiences of people into global patterns.Summarizes not only the current state of historical archaeology, but also sets the course for the field in decades to come.

This volume offers lively current debates and case studies in historical archaeology selected from around the world, including North America, Latin America, Africa, the Pacific, and Europe. Authored by 19 experts in the field.Explores how historical archaeologists think about their work, piecing together information from both material culture and documents in an attempt to understand the lives of the people and societies they study.Engages with current theory in an accessible manner.Truly global in its approach but avoids subsuming local experiences of people into global patterns.Summarizes not only the current state of historical archaeology, but also sets the course for the field in decades to come.

Informed by the latest research and in-depth analysis, Prehistoric Britain provides students and scholars alike with a fascinating overview of the development of human societies in Britain from the Upper Paleolithic to the end of the Iron Age. Offers readers an incisive synthesis and much-needed overview of current research themesIncludes essays from leading scholars and professionals who address the very latest trends in current researchExplores the interpretive debates surrounding major transitions in British prehistory

Informed by the latest research and in-depth analysis, Prehistoric Britain provides students and scholars alike with a fascinating overview of the development of human societies in Britain from the Upper Paleolithic to the end of the Iron Age. Offers readers an incisive synthesis and much-needed overview of current research themesIncludes essays from leading scholars and professionals who address the very latest trends in current researchExplores the interpretive debates surrounding major transitions in British prehistory

Prehistoric Europe: Theory and Practice provides a comprehensive introduction to the range of critical contemporary thinking in the study of European prehistory. Presents essays by some of the most dynamic researchers and leading European scholars in the field todayRanges from the Neolithic period to the early stages of the Iron Age, and from Ireland and Scandinavia to the Urals and the Iberian Peninsula

Prehistoric Europe: Theory and Practice provides a comprehensive introduction to the range of critical contemporary thinking in the study of European prehistory. Presents essays by some of the most dynamic researchers and leading European scholars in the field todayRanges from the Neolithic period to the early stages of the Iron Age, and from Ireland and Scandinavia to the Urals and the Iberian Peninsula

Egyptian Archaeology explores ancient Egypt using a uniquely archaeological approach, drawing on original research to both synthesize and challenge existing scholarship. Written by leading Egyptologists, based on original research and fieldworkIllustrates how practical research is a vital component of any theory-based discussion about the ancient worldExamines the cultural and historical processes of ancient Egypt from a global perspectiveVisually engaging with over 80 illustrationsChapters explore fundamental issues and themes, but focus on specific periods and key archaeological sites

Egyptian Archaeology explores ancient Egypt using a uniquely archaeological approach, drawing on original research to both synthesize and challenge existing scholarship. Written by leading Egyptologists, based on original research and fieldworkIllustrates how practical research is a vital component of any theory-based discussion about the ancient worldExamines the cultural and historical processes of ancient Egypt from a global perspectiveVisually engaging with over 80 illustrationsChapters explore fundamental issues and themes, but focus on specific periods and key archaeological sites

Illustrates new methodological directions in analyzing human social and biological variationOffers a wide array of research on past populations around the globeExplains the central features of bioarchaeological research by key researchers and established experts around the world

The fully revised second edition of this successful volume includes updates on the latest archaeological research in all chapters, and two new essays on Greek and Roman art.  It retains its unique, paired essay format, as well as key contributions from leading archaeologists and historians of the classical world. Second edition is updated and revised throughout, showcasing the latest research and fresh theoretical approaches in classical archaeologyIncludes brand new essays on ancient Greek and Roman art in a modern contextDesigned to encourage critical thinking about the interpretation of ancient material culture and the role of modern perceptions in shaping the study of art and archaeologyFeatures paired essays – one covering the Greek world, the other, the Roman – to stimulate a dialogue not only between the two ancient cultures, but between scholars from different historiographic and methodological traditionsIncludes maps, chronologies, diagrams, photographs, and short editorial introductions to each chapter