Exploring World Prehistory

Exploring World Prehistory is a well-rounded collection of classic and contemporary case studies that illustrate the range of archaeological methods, theory, and perspectives used in prehistoric archaeology.

The reader is organized into four sections. The first presents varied approaches to archaeology. The second provides perspectives on food production. Section Three explores Old World prehistory, while Section Four focuses on New World prehistory. Specific topics include lithics and landscape archaeology, indigenous accounts of the rise of agriculture, the social role of wine in Minoan and Mycenaean society, and ballgames in Mesoamerican ritual economies.

The readings demonstrate how archaeology can be used to better understand our world’s prehistory. They show how archaeological theory and methodology are used to analyze specific sites around the world. Selections have been chosen to reflect recent trends and significant themes in contemporary archaeology.

Exploring World Prehistory is particularly well-suited to introductory courses in archaeology, prehistory, and ancient world cultures. It is also a useful supplemental reader for advanced courses in archaeological theory and methodology.