Practical Handbook of Archaeology

This is a beginner’s guide to unearthing the past. It is an invaluable tool for amateur archaeologists with 300 step-by-step photographs, maps and illustrations from excavations around the world. This is the ultimate hands-on resource for new enthusiasts, students and volunteer archaeologists attending their first dig. It is a practical and professional guidebook to every aspect of in-the-field archaeology. It is packed with detailed illustrations and information to take you from beginner to advanced level. It features how-to photographic sequences of field surveys and excavations, plus guidance on handling and recording finds. It features step-by-step tuition and case studies to prepare student and amateur archaeologists for on-site experience. This illustrated practical guide to archaeology is perfect for anyone with a passion for the past. The varied techniques involved in planning and conducting an excavation are discussed in detail, from the initial non-invasive survey and site-walking through to processing and recording finds on site. You can learn how to locate buried archaeology through map regression and the study of aerial photographs; walk a site to sample the finds turned up by farming; or take part in a comprehensive site survey using the latest geophysical technology. With over 300 photographs and illustrations, this is an invaluable practical handbook on fieldwork techniques.

Author Biography

Christopher Catling is a best-selling author whose interest in archaeology and world heritage began as a schoolboy. He writes for Current Archaeology, and for the magazines of the Institute of Field Archaeology, and English Heritage. He is a contributing editor for Current World Archaeology, and is the Vice-Chairman of Cotswold Archaeology. He is also an established travel writer and has produced guides to Florence, Venice, Amsterdam, London, Madeira and Tuscany.