Encyclopedic Dictionary of Archaeology

Abstract

The "Encyclopedic Dictionary of Archaeology" gathers theterms and techniques of archaeology and addresses the uniqueness ofarchaeologists among those looking into the past in that they drawfrom many sources of information. By contrast, historians deal withwritten records and paleontologists study fossilized remains, butarchaeologists deal with all the information that can be obtainedabout the past from all material remains.The "Encyclopedic Dictionary of Archaeology" puts forward andencyclopedic view of the extraordinary world of archaeology and thefascinating techniques used to piece together civilizations of thepast. From traditional to applied archaeology, the data gathered inthis volume may serve as a field manual and resource guide for boththe amateur and the professional. It aims to satisfy a need for anarchaeological work of general reference summarizing what is knownfrom archaeology about human history in all parts of the globe.In defining the terms and techniques of archaeology, the"Encyclopedic" "Dictionary of Archaeology" identifies anddescribes major premises, important concepts, and scientific methodsused in the field. There is a balance of New World and Old Worldcoverage, theory, method, and practice. The work is the largest andmost comprehensive dictionary of its kind with a total of over 7,000entries.