Archaeological Methods

Introduction:

Greene, K. (2002).
Archaeology: An Introduction:
The History, Principles and Methods of Modern Archaeology.
This is the latest and most accessible guide to archaeology - its history, techniques and theories.

Renfrew, C., Bahn, P., Hudson, T. (2005).
Archaeology: Theories, Methods, and Practice.
This book provides a great introduction to the various aspects of archaeology. It covers the theory and description of archaeological methods as well as many real world examples. As a result of the excellent writing, this book is a really good read.

Fagan, B. (ed.), Beck, Ch. (ed) (1996)
The Oxford Companion to Archaeology.
This packs in many important details on the art and science of archaeology; from its history and the evolution of techniques to recent discoveries, which have been made around the world. Seven hundred articles contributed by over 300 experts include charts, cross-references, and important basic information. An invaluable college-level companion for any student of archaeology.

Thomas, D., Kelly, R.(2005)
Archaeology.
Archaeology reflects the fascinating combination of traditional, formal scientific technique and the postmodern humanist approach that defines archaeology today. Offering a dynamic account of history and theory, Thomas also emphasizes the importance of ideology and cognition.

Archaeometry

Leute, U. (1987).
Archaeometry:
An Introduction to Physical Methods in Archaeology & the History of Art. If you are an archaeology enthusiast, and at the same time are interested in some of the scientific techniques employed in this field, then you would love this book. This is not a very easy read. But it's a great book to learn from, and an excellent reference.

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND PHOTOGRAPHY:

Brandon, R., Westcott, K. (2000).
Practical Applications of GIS for Archaeologists: A Predictive Modeling Toolkit.
GIS (Geographical Information System) is the most powerful technological tool to be applied to archaeology since the introduction of carbon 14 dating. The most widespread use of GIS technology has been for the prediction of archaeological site locations. This book focuses on the use of GIS for archaeological predictive modelling.

Conolly, J., Lake, M. (2006).
Geographical Information Systems in Archaeology
Examines the developments in Geographical Information Systems as archaeological method. Provides a comprehensive manual on the practical use of GIS in archaeology. Written in a style accessible to both students and professional archaeologists.

Lock, G., Stancic, Z. (1995).
Archaeology & Geographic Information Systems: A European Perspective.
Presents critical overviews of the application of GIS to the theory and practice of archaeology, particularly in the European context.

Dorell, P. (1994).
Photography in Archaeology and Conservation
New edition, revised and updated to include new material, particularly the use of video and electronic recording systems. Based on the courses in photography given at the Institute of Archaeology, University College London. This book provides a general guide to use of photography in archaeology and conservation for students, professionals and the interested amateur.

Excavation and Sampling

Roskams, S. (2001).
Excavation.
Detailed account of modern approaches to archaeological excavation drawing on a wealth of experience in excavating some of the most complex, deeply stratified sites in Britain and abroad. Presents background history and philosophy of excavation: the why, as well as how, of digging methods. Relevant to both long-term research projects and the immediate demands of salvage work.

Barker, P. (1983).
Techniques of Archaeological Excavation.
Philip Barker's survey of current excavation techniques--at once authoritative and stimulating--was immediately hailed as the standard work and is one of the most widely used archaeological field manuals.

Orton, C. (2000).
Sampling in Archaeology.
This manual offers a comprehensive account of the applications of statistical sampling theory which are essential to modern archaeological practice at a range of scales, from the regional to the microscopic. Can be used as a main textbook in courses in archaeological fieldwork, and as a supplementary text in environmental archaeology and museum studies. Up-to-date in theory and practice and covers a wide range of applications within archaeology.

Archaeological Methods | Material Analysis | Other Archaeology Fields | Europe | Romania
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