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Over 700 colour photographs

• A professional field guide and illustrated practical companion to archaeology, from beginner to advanced level, with 700 step-by-step photographs



• Features how-to photographic sequences on field survey, step-by-step excavation, handling and recording finds, dating artefacts, and much much more



• Includes an authoritative section on the major archaeological periods, from pre-history to pre-Columbian, and the discoveries associated with them



• Investigates the specialist techniques associated with maritime archaeology, battlefields, facial reconstruction, astro-archaeology and more



• Gives advice on how to get involved in local research projects, restoration initiatives and actual excavations



• Detailed photographic and artwork sequences will guide the new enthusiast through different techniques on and off site and offer guidance and advice on a variety of methods

This accessible and comprehensive illustrated guide is ideal for anyone with a passion for the past. It is both a hands-on resource for the new enthusiast, student or volunteer, attending their first dig, and a superb professional reference book and practical manual for the many specialized and exciting fields of advanced archaeological practice, from forensics applied to burial sites to deciphering ancient languages.

The varied techniques involved in planning and conducting an excavation are unraveled stage-by-stage, from the initial surface-sampling of a site to the post-excavation practice of dating finds and building matrices. Learn how to locate hidden features through map regression, by studying aerial photographs or accessing inventories; walk a site to sample the finds turned up by farming or take part in a comprehensive site survey using geophysical technology. Attend a dig and make your first cut with a trowel, then proceed to fully excavate part of the site, right down to the natural geology, recovering and recording evidence of early settlers as you go. Find out what happens to finds once they are recovered, and learn about the different methods of placing them in context, from stratigraphy to seriation.

Delve into deep time with a chronological section on the major archaeological periods, witness the human migrations that began with the Upper Palaeolithic Revolution, and progressed towards the great technologies of the later stone and metal ages, and culminated in the most pioneering of classical and post-classical civilizations. Sections on the key techniques associated with different types of site, from churches and temples to industrial complexes, plus discussions of educational opportunities, policing local heritage and experimental archaeology will inspire the amateur to build a special interest and potentially develop field of study or a fully-fledged career.

With a total of 700 colour photographs and illustrative artworks, this is a fantastic reference sourcebook and practical handbook for new and experienced archaeologists everywhere.

About the Authors

Christopher Catling - Author

Christopher Catling is a best-selling author whose interest in archaeology and world heritage began when he started digging as a schoolboy. He writes for the Institute of Field Archaeology, the Society and Antiquaries and English Heritage, and is the Vice-Chairman of Cotswolds Archaeology. He is also an established travel writer; best-sellers include the Dorling Kindersley Eyewitness Guides to Florence, Venice and Amsterdam, as well as guides to London, Amsterdam, Madeira and Tuscany for AA Publishing and National Geographic.