European Archaeology Books

Kristiansen, K. Larsson, T. (2005).
The Rise of Bronze Age Society Travels, Transmissions and Transformations.
Offers a significant new interpretation of social development in the European Bronze Age. Integrates traditionally separate research fields of European and classical or Mediterranean archaeology. Archaeological evidence and historical sources are explored by two leading experts in the field, Kristian Kristiansen and Thomas Larsson.

Price, T. (ed). (2000).
Europe's First Farmers.
Offers a pan-European perspective on the transition from hunting and gathering to farming. Contributions from leading authorities on each region. Uses the latest information from radiocarbon dating to provide new answers and inform larger questions about the global spread of farming.

Cauvin, J. (2000).
The Birth of the Gods and the Origins of Agriculture.
The first synthesis for about a quarter of a century, and a novel approach influenced by philosophy, history of religion, ancient religions, Annales school of French medieval historians. Not a straightforward archaeological account of the Neolithic Revolution, but one that looks for the mainspring of changes in terms of cultural and psychological changes emerging around 12000 BC. Cauvin is a distinguished and wide-ranging author who has researched in the field of Neolithic origins for many years.

Harding, A. (2000).
European Societies in the Bronze Age.
Based on the most recent research in Bronze Age archaeology from all parts of Europe and seeks to present a comprehensive view of the major phenomena apparent in the Bronze Age. Covers both theoretical and practical issues, but written in jargon-free language.

Gamble, C. (1999).
The Palaeolithic Societies of Europe.
Reconstructs ancient human societies with a pan-European overview of the archaeological evidence. Explains the unique social life of humans by using archaeological data.

Whittle, A. (1996).
Europe in the Neolithic; The Creation of New Worlds
Up-to-date, but slightly selective coverage of European continent, with very full bibliographical references. Challenging discussion of major themes, particularly the establishment of the Neolithic lifestyle and its subsequent development. Completely revised and updated, covering recent research findings and key changes in evidence, and adopting new theoretical approaches.

Davies, N. (1998).
Europe: A History.
Comprehensive read covering major issues and themes in European history.

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