Archaeology and Folklore explores the complex relationship between the two disciplines to demonstrate what they might learn from each other. This collection includes theoretical discussions and case studies drawn from Western Europe, the Mediterranean and North. They explore the differences between popular traditions relating to historic sites and archaeological interpretations of their history and meaning.

Folklore and archaeology are traditionally seen as taking very different approaches to the significance of ancient and historic monuments and to the interpretation of life in the past. This text explores the complex relationship between the two disciplines to demonstrate what they might learn from each other. The collection includes theoretical discussions and case studies drawn from Western Europe, the Mediterranean and North. They explore the differences between popular traditions relating to historic sites and archaeological interpretations of their history and meaning. They challenge the view that folklore can genuinely preserve historical truths through unspoken long-term continuity, but conclude that folklore is far from useless to archaeologists. Where previously, archaeologists attempted to correlate folklore with archaeological evidence, the contributors here move beyond this to suggest ways in which folklore might enrich archaeological practice and raise new questions for research. This survey could open up possibilities for dialogue between archaeology and folklore studies.

This volume examines landscapes that have been cleared of inhabitants--for economic, environmental, or socio-political reasons, by choice or by force--and the social impacts of clearance on their populations. Using cases from five continents, and ranging from prehistoric, through colonial and post-colonial times, the contributors show landscapes as meaningful points of contestation when populations abandon them or are exiled from them. Acts of resistance and revitalization are also explored, demonstrating the social and political meaning of specific landscapes to individuals, groups, and nations, and how they help shape cultural identity and ideology.Sponsored by the World Archaeological Congress

This volume examines landscapes that have been cleared of inhabitants--for economic, environmental, or socio-political reasons, by choice or by force--and the social impacts of clearance on their populations. Using cases from five continents, and ranging from prehistoric, through colonial and post-colonial times, the contributors show landscapes as meaningful points of contestation when populations abandon them or are exiled from them. Acts of resistance and revitalization are also explored, demonstrating the social and political meaning of specific landscapes to individuals, groups, and nations, and how they help shape cultural identity and ideology.Sponsored by the World Archaeological Congress