Methods and Aims in Archaeology

Petrie's classic work of 1904 outlines his rigorous archaeological processes, including excavation techniques and the management of workers.

William Matthew Flinders Petrie (Author)

9781108065979, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 5 September 2013

274 pages, 40 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 1.6 cm, 0.35 kg

A pioneering Egyptologist, Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie (1853–1942) excavated over fifty sites and trained a generation of archaeologists. In this short but classic work of 1904, he explains his vision for the young science of archaeology. Petrie outlines his processes and goals for an excavation, offering advice on how to manage workers drawn from the local population as well as guidance on creating a thorough record of a dig, the importance of which had not been fully appreciated by many contemporary archaeologists. His methods were highly influential in their more systematic and scientific approach to archaeology at a time when many of its practitioners were more focused on acquiring attractive artefacts than advancing knowledge. The text is accompanied by 66 illustrations. Petrie wrote prolifically throughout his long career, and a great many of his other publications - for both specialists and non-specialists - are also reissued in this series.

Preface
1. The excavator
2. Discrimination
3. The labourers
4. Arrangement of work
5. Recording in the field
6. Copying
7. Photographing
8. Preservation of objects
9. Packing
10. Publication
11. Systematic archaeology
12. Archaeological evidence
13. Ethics of archaeology
14. The fascination of history
Index.

Subject Areas: Egyptian archaeology / Egyptology [HDDG]