This book is a hands-on resource for the amateur, student or volunteer as well as a reference for those interested in the world's greatest archaeological finds and the people who discovered them. The first part of the book explores the many fields of archaeology, from forensics applied to burial sites through to the deciphering of ancient languages. The techniques involved in an excavation are unravelled, from the initial surface sampling of a site to the post-excavation practice of dating finds and building matrices. The book then looks at the people who have been responsible for many of the most important discoveries in world archaeology, and the final section of the book is an overview of the world's greatest archaeological sites broken down into sections on specific geographic regions.

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.