ARCHAEOLOGY FOR DUMMIES

An objective guide to this fascinating science of history and culture
Archaeology continually makes headlines--from recent discoveries like the frozen Copper-Age man in the Italian Alps to the newest dating of the first people in America at over 14,0000 years ago. Archaeology For Dummies offers a fascinating look at this intriguing field, taking readers on-site and revealing little-known details about some of the world's greatest archaeological discoveries. It explores how archaeology attempts to uncover the lives of our ancestors, examining historical dig sites around the world and explaining theories about ancient human societies. The guide also offers helpful information for readers who want to participate in an excavation themselves, as well as tips for getting the best training and where to look for jobs.

Nancy Marie White is a registered professional archaeologist and Professor of Anthropology at the University of South Florida, Tampa. Her research includes prehistoric and historic archaeological sites of all time periods in the eastern United States, as well as theoretical issues and public archaeology.

Introduction.
Part I: Archaeology: Seeing Past People Today.
Chapter 1: What Archaeology Is.
Chapter 2: What Archaeology Isn't and Why That's Important.
Chapter 3: So You Want to Do Archaeology? What Kind?
Chapter 4: How Archaeologists Think and Work.
Part II: Archaeological Fieldwork: The Adventure Begins!
Chapter 5: Supplies and Equipment You Need.
Chapter 6: Archaeological Survey: Finding Where to Dig.
Chapter 7: The Archaeological Dig.
Chapter 8: Laws, Ethics, and Safety in Field Archaeology.
Part III: After the Dig: You’ve Only Just Begun.
Chapter 9: Processing Excavated Materials in the Laboratory.
Chapter 10: Studying and Analyzing What You've Excavated.
Chapter 11: Reconstructing the Past: Piecing Together the Puzzles.
Part IV: Archaeology Reconstructs the Whole Human Past.
Chapter 12: Early Humans: Original Cave Guys & Gals.
Chapter 13: The Last 10,000 Years: Climate Change and Early Food Production.
Chapter 14: Ancient States.
Chapter 15: Historic Archaeology: Reinterpreting the More Recent Past.
Part V: Archaeology Is for Everyone.
Chapter 16: The Uses of Archaeological Findings.
Chapter 17: How You Can Explore Archaeology.
Chapter 18: Controversies and Sensational Findings.
Part VI: The Part of Tens.
Chapter 19: Ten-Plus Archaeological Places to Visit in the U.S.
Chapter 20: More Than Ten Archaeological Sites to Visit Outside the United States.
Chapter 21: Ten Fun Archaeological Experiences.
Appendix.
Index.