The Birth of Prehistoric Chronology: Dating Methods and Dating Systems in Nineteenth-Century Scandinavian Archaeology (New Studies in Archaeology)
The development of European archaeology as a scholarly discipline in the nineteenth century was closely connected with the appearance of systematic methods for dating archaeological materials and these methods evolved largely in Scandinavia. Professor Gräslund’s book is the first in-depth study of what is now recognised as a crucial stage in the history of archaeology. Beginning with an analysis of the basic elements of archaeological dating systems, he traces the origin and subsequent development of these systems, examining in detail how they were built up and refined. The Three Age System, methods of dating by find associations and the applications of typology for relative dating are themes that receive particular attention. Individuals, however, are never lost from sight. Throughout the book the author seeks to assess the contribution of the often colourful personalities involved and the volume concludes with a valuable biographical appendix.
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read morePrehistoric Farming in Europe (New Studies in Archaeology)
Drawing upon his own extensive knowledge of European archaeology, Graeme Barker has impressively integrated the full range of archaeological data to produce in this book a masterly account of prehistoric farming in Europe on a unique scale. He makes use of modern archaeological techniques to reconstruct the lives of prehistoric farmers in remarkable detail. Not only do we now have a vivid picture of the prehistoric farmyard, but we know what animals were kept, bow they were fed and why they were bred. Evidence for crops grown and techniques of cultivation and husbandry helps recreate the prehistoric landscape. Even the social organisation that determined the use of resources, and provided the crucial stimulus for agricultural change, can be relived.
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read moreEuropean Prehistory: A Survey (Interdisciplinary Contributions to Archaeology)
The study of European archaeology dates back to the 19th century, but the number of archaeologists, projects, and publications has increased greatly during the last three decades. With the collapse of the Soviet Union and the restructuring of several countries, archaeology in Europe has more opportunity for interaction and research than previously was possible.
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read moreArchaeological Theory in Europe: The Last Three Decades (Material Cultures)
The 1980s have witnessed exciting developments in theoretical writing in Western archaeology. Where previous decades were dominated by the Anglo-American perspective, or “New Archaeology”, recent years have seen the European debate grow in confidence and vitality. “Archaeological Theory in Europe” captures this new spirit of debate as contributors from a wide cross-section of countries evaluate the development of the distinctly national and European characteristics of archaeology and assess future directions. Contributors consider an extensive range of ideologies and viewpoints, stressing the fundamentally historical emphasis and social construction of European archaeology. The development of archaeological theory is traced, with specific emphasis on factors which differ from country to country. In the light of recent racial unrest in Eastern Europe the book stresses the need for theory in European archaeology and the danger inherent in using archaeology to justify regional claims. Ultimately, it is argued that the most active response to archaeology is to celebrate theory within a constantly critical mode.
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read moreMerovingian Mortuary Archaeology and the Making of the Early Middle Ages
Clothing, jewelry, animal remains, ceramics, coins, and weaponry are among the artifacts that have been discovered in graves in Gaul dating from the fifth to eighth century. Those who have unearthed them, from the middle ages to the present, have speculated widely on their meaning. This authoritative book makes a major contribution to the study of death and burial in late antique and early medieval society with its long overdue systematic discussion of this mortuary evidence. Tracing the history of Merovingian archaeology within its cultural and intellectual context for the first time, Effros exposes biases and prejudices that have colored previous interpretations of these burial sites and assesses what contemporary archaeology can tell us about the Frankish kingdoms.
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read moreJournal of European Archaeology: Autumn 1994 (Journal of European Archaeology, Vol 2, Part 2)
This archaeological work deals with a range of Europe-focused issues. For example, it includes coverage of cult phenomena during the Neolithic in the Italian peninsula; interpretation of late-Bronze-Age communities in south-eastern Poland; the archaeology of thirst; and Alamannic princely forts.
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read moreGrahame Clark and His Legacy
Grahame Clark was a major figure in European archaeology for over 50 years, and pioneered work in prehistoric economies and ecology, in science-based archaeology and in a world view of ancient societies. In this book, a variety of authorities from Europe and beyond assess these major contributions and provide discussions about Clark’s own colleagues and contemporaries, his major archaeological themes and his varied approaches, and his world-wide contacts and travels. The papers provide surveys and opinions on Clark’s role in the development of archaeology in the 20th century, and the basis that it provided for archaeological work of today. The book will be a valuable source of evidence, ideas and references for scholars interested in the development of the discipline.