Archaeology. The Basics

Archaeology: The Basics From archaeological jargon to interpretation, this volume probes the depths of this increasingly popular discipline, presenting critical approaches to the understanding of our past. A piece of broken pottery will never seem the same again. This ultimate guide for all new and would-be archaeologists, whether they are new students or interested amateurs, introduces its readers to archaeological thought, history and practice. Lively and engaging, Archaeology: The Basics fires the archaeological imagination whilst tackling such questions as: What are the basic concepts of archaeology? How and what do we know about people and objects from the past? What makes a good explanation in archaeology? Why dig here? Archaeology: The Basics provides an invaluable overview of a fascinating subject. Clive Gamble is a Professor of Archaeology at the University of Southampton and Director of the Centre for the Archaeology of Human Origins (CAHO). Also available from Routledge in this series: Language: The Basics (Second edition) R. L. Trask Philosophy: The Basics (Third edition) Nigel Warburton Politics: The Basics (Second edition) Stephen Tansey Shakespeare: The Basics Sean McEvoy Sociology: The Basics Martin Albrow Archaeology: The Basics Clive Gamble First published 2001 by Routledge 11 New Fetter Lane, London EC4P 4EE Simultaneously published in the USA and Canada by Routledge 29 West 35th Street, New York, NY 10001 Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group This edition published in the Taylor & Francis eLibrary, 2001. © 2001 Clive Gamble All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing