The Oxford Companion to Archaeology

When we think of archaeology, most of us think first of its many spectacular finds: the legendary city of Troy, Tutankhamun's golden tomb, the three-million-year-old footprints at Laetoli, the mile-high city at Machu Picchu, the cave paintings at Lascaux. But as marvellous as these discoveries are, the ultimate goal of archaeology, and of archaeologists, is something far more ambitious. Indeed, it is one of humanity's great quests: to recapture and understand our human past, across vast stretches of time, as it was lived in every corner of the globe.

Featuring 700 alphabetically arranged articles written by over 300 internationally recognized experts, The Oxford Companion to Archaeology is an up-to-date reference work on virtually every aspect of this fascinating field. The range of subjects covered here is breathtaking - everything from the domestication of the camel, to Egyptian hieroglyphics, to luminescence dating, to the Mayan calendar, to Koobi Fora and Olduvai Gorge. Readers will discover information on the history of archaeology, on eminent archaeologists, on the methods used at excavations, on human evolution, and on human culture in every corner of the globe. The editors have included extensive cross-referencing and thorough indexing, enabling the reader to pursue topics of interest with ease; charts and maps providing additional information; and bibliographies after most entries directing readers to the best sources for further study. Whether readers want to know about the discovery of Herculaneum in 1783, or are searching for information on `dendrochronology', The Oxford Companion to Archaeology will always be the first place to look.