Synopses & Reviews
The only critical guide to the theory and method of Mesopotamian archaeology, this innovative volume evaluates the theories, methods, approaches and history of Mesopotamian archaeology from its origins in the nineteenth century up to the present day.
Ancient Mesopotamia (modern Iraq), was the original site of many of the major developments in human history, such as farming, the rise of urban literate societies and the first great empires of Akkad, Babylonia and Assyria.
Dr. Matthews places the discipline within its historical and social context, and explains how archaeologists conduct their research through excavation, survey and other methods. In four fundamental chapters, he uses illustrated case-studies to show how archaeologists have approached central themes such as:
* the shift from hunting to farming
* complex societies
* empires and imperialism
* everyday life.
This will be both an ideal introductory work and useful as background reading on a wide range of courses.
Synopsis
In this study Roger Matthews looks at the origin and development of Mesopotamian archaeology from the early Imperialists and Eurocentric explorations of the Victorians, through to the evolution of a modern scientific discipline. The introduction outlines the history of archaeological research and its techniques, reflecting on the work of major figures such as Leonard Woolley and Seton Lloyd, setting the background for more thematic, case-study based chapters. The latter focus on four major themes within Mesopotamian archaeology: the shift from hunting to farming; the development of complex societies; empires and imperialism; and everyday life. A useful guide and introduction to the theory and method of Mesopotamian archaeology.
Synopsis
Includes bibiographical references (p. [205]-229) and index.
Table of Contents
Defining a discipline: Mesopotamian archaeology in history -- Tools of the trade: scope and methods of Mesopotamian archaeology -- Tracing a transition: hunters becoming farmers -- States of mind approaching complexity -- Archaeologies of empire -- People's pasts -- Futures of the Mesopotamian past.