A Little History of Archaeology

“An entertaining account of the development of archaeology across the world. . . Fagan’s recollections. . . help bring the history to life.”—Current World Archaeology
 
“Learned and lively.”—Wall Street Journal
 
What is archaeology? The word may bring to mind images of golden pharaohs and lost civilizations, or Neanderthal skulls and Ice Age cave art. Archaeology is all of these, but also far more: the only science to encompass the entire span of human history—more than three million years!
 
This Little History tells the riveting stories of some of the great archaeologists and their amazing discoveries around the globe: ancient Egyptian tombs, Mayan ruins, the first colonial settlements at Jamestown, mysterious Stonehenge, the incredibly preserved Pompeii, and many, many more. In forty brief, exciting chapters, the book recounts archaeology’s development from its eighteenth-century origins to its twenty-first-century technological advances. Shining light on the most intriguing events in the history of the field, this absolutely up-to-date book illuminates archaeology’s controversies, discoveries, heroes and scoundrels, global sites, and newest methods for curious readers of every age.

“Learned and lively.”—The Wall Street Journal

“A wonderful introduction to the history of archaeology . . . captivating.”—Archaeology

“The perfect introduction to archaeology and its rich and exciting history. Brian Fagan is a renowned excavator and author of numerous best-selling books on the subject, but this is not a textbook: it reads like a thriller and is impossible to put down."—Francis Pryor, author of Britain BC: life in Britain and Ireland before the Romans 

“Crisp, engaging and accessible ... In archaeology today, Brian Fagan is among the very best writers who are able to clearly and effectively communicate with the general public.  This excellent book is no exception.” —Jeremy A. Sabloff, author of Archaeology Matters

‘Brain Fagan is a masterful storyteller.  In this “history of,” he captures the personality of archaeology though the principal voices of those who have directed its course for well over two centuries. Marvelous.’—Vernon L. Scarborough, University of Cincinnati

"An engaging and authoritative historical tour of archaeology. As Fagan reminds us, “The past is around for us all to experience and enjoy”—and there can be no better encouragement to do this than the story told in these pages."—Chris Scarre, author of The Human Past

“A terrific and engaging read by a master at the top of his game, told with great gusto and drawn from a lifetime of travelling, digging, observing and thinking about what makes us human.”—Michael Wood, author of In Search of the Trojan War

A conversation with Brian Fagan:

How did you first become interested in archaeology?
 
My first course at university was prehistoric archaeology, taught by a wonderful storyteller who had worked in French caves before World War I. I got hooked by the fascinating characters he talked about, went out to Central Africa after graduation and went digging myself.
 
What do you think has been the most important archaeological discovery?
 
The most spectacular is, of course Tutankhamun’s tomb, rivalled by the Ur royal burials. But perhaps the most important of all has been the discovery of our earliest ancestors by the Leakeys and others, proving we have been around for more than three million years.
 
Why is it important that young people find out about archaeology?
 
Archaeology tells us the story of humanity and of ourselves, in all our complex biological and cultural diversity. Why and how are we different and similar? These are important topics in a globally interconnected world. Climate change, sustainability, and preserving humankind’s unique cultural heritage are all things our children and grandchildren are going to have to grapple with, and archaeology can tell us much about how to face that future.
 
What advice would you give to budding archaeologists?
 
Go on digs as a volunteer while still in school. Then get an archaeology degree at university. Travel, see all kinds of sites and visit museums, and get as much fieldwork experience as you can. Don’t become an archaeologist if you want to become rich, don’t have boundless enthusiasm for the past, or dislike getting your hands dirty!