In the Beginning: An Introduction to Archaeology

This comprehensive, easy-to-read summary, with an international perspective, outlines the basic principles, methods, and theoretical approaches of modern archaeology. It gives readers a basic grounding on the subject, the career opportunities it offers, and a look at some of the spectacular—and not so well known—discoveries that illuminate our past. Written by a master of the genre, the book emphasizes remote sensing techniques for archaeological survey, addresses the study of gender and ethnic diversity from the archaeological record, and assesses the importance of archaeology in the modern world. It also explores topics such as environmental reconstruction and short- and long-term climatic change; ancient religion and the archaeology of religion and beliefs; gender and people; human interactions; stewardship, archeological survey; cultural resource management; public archaeology; ethics; and excavations. For armchair archaeologists, interested in the significance of our history as we journey into the 21st Century.