Synopses & Reviews
Archaeology has progressed enormously since the early excavations of classical sites such as Olympia and Ephesus in the middle of the 19th century. A better perspective on the material culture of the Classical world is now given by new methods and modern techniques, which depend on the rigorous application of skills from a wide range of disciplines. This book, written by a group of active field archaeologists, is designed particularly for students at A-level and on university courses, as well as for those with a general interest in the ancient world. It demonstrates the progression of a project from planning and prospection, through excavation and study to interpretation and public presentation. It also provides links to a wide range of internet resources to enable students to follow through case studies of recent survey and excavation ranging in time from the Bronze Age to the early Byzantine, and in extent from Britain to Turkey.
Synopsis
'Classical' and 'archaeology' are both terms which call for definition. Here the term 'Classical' is interpreted as widely as possible to include material relating to periods from the Bronze Age to the early Byzantine, and to countries from Britain to Turkey. Coverage of 'archaeology' will range from the discovery of sites to conserving and presenting them, from the viewpoint of practising archaeologists working in various parts of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. This book combines explanation of methods and techniques with case studies of particular sites which demonstrate different themes in, and approaches to, the overall subject. Principles and methods including prospecting, excavation, dating, stratigraphy and presentation are considered alongside an account of the development of Classical archaeology - as seen in the work of famous pioneers such as Evans and Schliemann - to the more scientific approaches used in contemporary projects. Case studies include sites which are currently being studied by the authors. Aimed at A-level students and first-year undergraduates as well as those with a general interest, this is a lively introduction to the ways in which archaeologists interpret Classical sites, enabling informed observation and enhanced understanding of technical publications. It is profusely illustrated and benefits from topical research, with the inclusion of results of current fieldwork.
Synopsis
Archaeology has progressed enormously since the early excavations of classical sites such as Olympia and Ephesus in the middle of the 19th century. New methods and modern techniques, which depend on the rigorous application of skills from a wide range of disciplines, now offer a better perspective on the material culture of the classical world.
This book combines explanation of methods and techniques with case studies of particular sites which demonstrate different themes in, and approaches to, classical archaeology. It examines principles and methods including prospecting, excavation, dating, stratigraphy and presentation, alongside an account of the development of Classical archaeology (for example, as in the work of famous pioneers such as Evans and Schliemann) to the more scientific approaches used in contemporary projects.
Written by a group of active field archaeologists, this book demonstrates the progression of a project from planning and prospection, through excavation and study to interpretation and public presentation. It also provides links to a wide range of internet resources to enable students to follow through case studies of recent survey and excavation ranging in time from the Bronze Age to the early Byzantine, and in extent from Britain to Turkey.
Synopsis
Suitable for students at A-level and on university courses, as well as for those with a general interest in the ancient world, this work demonstrates the progression of a project from planning and prospection, through excavation and study to interpretation and public presentation.
About the Author
Laurence Bowkett is Director of Studies, Fine Arts College, London. Stephen Hill is Senior Lecturer, Continuing Education, University of Warwick. Diana Wardle is Extra-mural lecturer in Archaeology and Ken Wardle is Senior Lecturer in ancient History and Archaeology, University of Birmingham.