Print ISBN: 979-8-89179-179-4
# of Pages: 574
# of Volumes: 1
Print List Price: $165
e-ISBN: 979-8-89179-180-0
eBook User Price: $165
Free Online Access
Spread the Word

Principles of Archaeology

Free Online Access to the Salem Press/Grey House Platform
January 2025

Archaeology is the study of ancient civilizations and communities through the finding, analysis, and interpretation of objects and artifacts that have been left behind throughout history. This study of the past is a slow and careful process that often includes surveying sites, uncovering artifacts, curating artifacts, and even reconstructing archaeological sites. Archaeological fieldwork is a painstaking process—instead of thrilling adventures full of intrigue and mayhem, the archaeologist is immersed in the meticulous work of carefully uncovering and cataloging tiny bits of material from the past. Still, archaeology is not for the faint of heart.

As a discipline, it demands reasoned analysis on few details in its attempt to give us invaluable insights into the past. Archaeology draws on chemistry to identify materials, radiochemistry and physics to identify the age of materials. Geology and stratigraphy help determine the placement of artifacts in a location and time period. The discovery and curation of historical documents—from rock paintings and carvings to clay tablets and papyrus scrolls —provide yet more information and context for further research.

This new resource explores the broad field of archaeology, examining its history and scientific principles. Insights into famous archeological sites, notable archeologists, and ancient cultures, are provided as well. 

Principles of Archaeology begins with a comprehensive Editor’s Introduction to this important topic written by Richard M. Renneboog, MSc. This volume continues to expand on different facets of archaeology in depth in its 130+ entries that follow a convenient alphabetical arrangement, making specific topics easy to find.

This title provides a critical look at the many different aspects of archaeology, beginning with key concepts related to this scientific field including Carbon Dating, Forensic Archaeology, Geoarchaeology, and Underwater Archaeology. An exploration of important archaeologists follows, covering important figures such as Roy Chapman Andrews, who found the first fossilized dinosaur eggs, and Marcellin Boule, who was the first to reconstruct a Neanderthal skeleton. A deep dive into ancient cultures such as the Eastern Pueblo Tribes and the Beaker People of Western Europe is followed by a close-up look at famous archaeological sites such as the ancient city of Petra, Pompeii, Stonehenge, and more.

Concepts explored in this volume include:

  • Ancient DNA
  • Egyptology
  • Geoarchaeology
  • Radiocarbon Dating
  • African Rock Art
  • The Rosetta Stone
  • Mayan Ruins
  • Stonehenge
  • Xin Shui’s Tomb

Principles of Archaeology offers the reader a curated collection of articles that speak to many different aspects of the field of archaeology and provide insights into the contributions of some of its significant figures. Each article includes a brief abstract, a list of relevant terms, and a number of references for further reading.

This work also includes helpful appendices, including:

  • Bibliography;
  • Glossary;
  • Organizations;
  • Subject Index

Principles of Archaeology is an excellent resource for students at the high school and undergraduate levels of education, providing a solid overview of this understated science and perhaps sparking the curiosity of a new class of future archaeologists.

FREE ONLINE ACCESS
Libraries and schools purchasing the printed version of any Salem Press title get complimentary online access to that title on our new online database, https://online.salempress.com. Combining Salem's Literature, History, Health, Science and Careers titles, students and researchers can now access all of their Salem content in one comprehensive site. Any school or library with print reference content in Salem Press' database is entitled to online access to that content. This access is an inherent part of our product.


View a Full List of Titles from the Principles of Science Series