Product Description

A comprehensive a-z guide to all aspects of world archaeology, comprizing of 3000 articles writte by an international team of specialists. The guide is designed for anyone with an interest in the world of archaeology. In the course of the articles it offers completely up-to-date coverage of sites and artifacts from all corners of the globe, explores civilizations and peoples, and gives clear accurate account of archaeology terms, as well as explorations of archaeological theory and practice and biographical accounts of important archaeologists.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1003760 in Books
• Published on: 2001-11-29
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 520 pages

From the Publisher

Some sample entries:

KEYHOLE TOMBS

Mounded tombs of Kofun period Japan, with a ground plan shaped like an old-fashioned keyhole. They are assumed to be the tombs of the rulers and highest-ranking elite. The symbolism of the shape is unknown and generally unrepresented in other East Asian mounded tomb traditions. In the 4th-5th centuries AD, two sizes are found, their lengths averaging approximately 100 and 200 m (110 and 220 yds).

THEODOLITE

A surveying instrument consisting of a focusing telescope which is able to pivot on both horizontal and vertical planes; scales for measuring vertical and horizontal angles; and some type of levelling device. It is used to survey and map sites and surrounding environments, to plot excavation units and debris, and for topographic mapping.

PAESTUM

(Gk Poseidonia) A coastal Greek colony in Lucania, Italy, founded c600 BC. It is notable for a major series of temples in the Doric order which were rediscovered in the 18th century. They were dedicated to Argive Hera (the `Basilica'), Poseidon and Athena (`Ceres'), and range in date from the mid 6th century to the mid 5th century BC. A Roman forum was inserted over some of the sanctuary areas in the 3rd century BC; buildings include a shrine to the emperor and a temple of peace. There are also traces of an amphitheatre within the walled city. Some of the local tombs were decorated with murals, one of the more famous being the 5th-century BC `Tomb of the Divers'.

About the Author
Dr Paul Bahn is a freelance archaeologist and writer. He is the co-author of 'Archaeology: Theories, Method and Practice' and the author of 'The Cambridge Illustrated History of Archaeology', 'Journey through the Ice Age' and 'Lost Cities'. He writes and broadcasts widely on archaeology, and travels extensively. He lives in Hull.