A Basic Guide to Archaeology

This book is intended to answer some of the many questions that people ask archaeologists, such as “How do you know?” and “What is it?” The author, Jennifer Laing, is both a university lecturer in archaeology and organiser of field trips, and is therefore no stranger to such questions. The text has been presented in an easy-to-understand “question and answer” format. The book includes chapters covering the history of archaeology and its founders, but it also explains the current views and thinking of those presently employed within the field. The practical side of archaeology is also well-represented, with topics such as the discovery of sites, dating methods, and excavation techniques being covered. Dealing with virtually every aspect of archaeology, this book will appeal to all those interested in the subject, including those about to study it at university.

Contents:

• What is Archaeology?
• When did the study begin?
• Methods of retrieval of data;
• How do you know what date it is?
• Approaches to Archaeology;
• People;
• Does it ever go wrong?
• The law and ethics;
• How can I get involved?