Description:From archaeological jargon to interpretation, this volume probes the depths of this increasingly popular discipline, presenting critical approaches to the understanding of our past.This ultimate guide for all new and would-be archaeologists, whether they are students or interested amateurs, introduces its readers to archaeological thought, history and and practice.Lively and engaging, Archaeology : The Basics fires the archaeological imagination whilst tackling such questions as:* what are the basic concepts of archaeology?* how and what do we know about people and objects from the past?* what makes a good explanation in archaeology?* why dig here?Archaeology: the Basics provides an invaluable overview of a fascinating subject.