This work provides a comprehensive overview of all of human history from two million years ago to the historic period. Prepared under the auspices and with the support of the Human Relations Area Files and an internationally distinguished advisory board, and edited by Peter N. Peregrine and Melvin Ember, the text is organized regionally, with entries on each major archaeological tradition written by noted experts in the field. The entries follow a standard format and employ comparable units of description and analysis, which should make them easy to use and compare.