Archaeology and World Prehistory

Christopher R. DeCorse - Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA

Courses:
Intro to Archaeology | Urban Culture and Space

January 2026 | 408 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc

Archaeology and World Prehistory: Unearthing Our Past emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of the field and its interconnectedness with the four fields of anthropology, sciences, humanities, and beyond. Students new to archaeology will learn key theories and methodologies through rich examples from field work and prehistory. Christopher R. DeCorse challenges ethnocentrism and essentialism by highlighting the differences and similarities across cultures, encouraging critical thinking, cultural appreciation, and global awareness.

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ISBN: 9781071828625	Paperback	Suggested Retail Price: $183.00	Bookstore Price: $146.40
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Preface

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Part I: Uncovering the Past

Chapter 1: Invitation to Archaeology

Introduction

Archaeology as Anthropology

Archaeology and Interdisciplinary Research

Interpreting the Past

The Past in the Present

Unearthing the Past

Review of Learning Objectives

Key Terms

Chapter 2: Explanation in Archaeology

Introduction

Antiquarians and Archaeologists

What Happened When?

Diffusion

Why Cultures Change

Processual Archaeology

Postprocessual Perspectives

Marxist and Neo-Marxist Approaches

Interpreting the Past

Review of Learning Objectives

Key Terms

Chapter 3: The Record of the Past

Introduction

Getting Started

The Archaeological Record

Finding Sites

Archaeological Excavation

Dating the Past

Archaeology in the Lab

Wrapping Up

Review of Learning Objectives

Key Terms

Part II: Human Origins

Chapter 4: Hominin Evolution

The Fossil Record

Tracing Human Origins

From Homo erectus to Homo sapiens

Neanderthals and Other Relatives

Clues in our genes: Genetic data and hominin phylogeny

Creationism, Intelligent Design, and Evolution

Being Human

Review of Learning Objectives

Key Terms

Chapter 5: The Lower and Middle Paleolithic

Introduction

Lifestyles of the First Hominins

The Old Stone Age

The Life and Times of Genus Homo

The Middle Paleolithic

Could Early Hominins Speak?

New Horizons

Review of Learning Objectives

Key Terms

Chapter 6: Brave New Worlds

Introduction

Homo sapiens and Their Cultures

An Artistic Revolution

New Frontiers: Migration in the Upper Paleolithic

Homo sapiens in Australia and Oceania

Upper Paleolithic Hunters in the Americas

New Beginnings

Review of Learning Objectives

Key Terms

Part III: Domestication and Settled Life

Chapter 7: Why Farming?

Introduction

The End of the Paleolithic: Changes in Climate and Culture

The Neolithic: Origins of Food Production

Evidence for Domestication

Why Did Domestication Occur?

The Consequences of Domestication

The Worst Mistake in Human History?

Review of Learning Objectives

Key Terms

Chapter 8: The First Farmers in Asia, Africa and Europe

Introduction

The Origins of Agriculture in Southwest Asia

Early Farming in Europe

South Asian Agriculture

Asian Agriculture

Vegiculture in Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia

Farming and Pastoralism in Africa

Looking Ahead

Review of Learning Objectives

Key Terms

Chapter 9: Farming and Settled Life in the Americas

Introduction

A Feast of Resources: Foragers of the Americas

Archaic Beginnings

Agricultural Origins in Mesoamerica

Potatoes and Guinea Pigs in South America

The First Farmers in North America

Foraging, Agriculture, and Complexity

Review of Learning Objectives

Key Terms

Part IV: Complexity and the State

Chapter 10: Studying Complexity

Introduction

Civilization and the State

Studying Complexity

The Written Record

Why Did States Form?

Why Do States Fail?

Looking Ahead

Review of Learning Objectives

Key Terms

Chapter 11: Pyramids, Cities, and States of the Old World

Introduction

Civilizations of Mesopotamia

Indus Valley Complexity

Ancient China

Dynastic Egypt

Complexity in Sub-Saharan Africa

States, States, and More States

The Fundamentals of the State

Review of Learning Objectives

Key Terms

Chapter 12: Complexity in the Americas

Introduction

The Civilizations of Mesoamerica

The Mound Builder of North America

Complexity and Empire in South America

Revisiting Complexity and the State

Review of Learning Objectives

Key Terms

Part V: The Past in the Present

Chapter 13: The Past in the Present

Introduction

Applying Archaeology

CRM in the United States

Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act

Who Owns the Past?

Archaeology in the Present

Archaeology in the Modern World

Review of Learning Objectives

Key Terms

Glossary

References

Index

A well written and curated textbook, employing clear but precise language that facilitates thorough comprehension for students and professionals alike.

Victoria Olajide

University of Oregon

[Archaeology and World Prehistory: Unearthing Our Past] introduces the development of sociopolitical complexity—a topic that undergraduates often find daunting—in an accessible way. Interweaving cultures and scholarly debates from multiple areas of the world, this textbook would represent a thought-provoking addition to World Prehistory classes.

Mallory A. Melton

Lycoming College

This book is well written and very approachable to a student interacting with archaeology and this particular aspect of archaeology for the first time.

William A. Farley

Southern Connecticut State University

A really great book for an introductory-level course! It's breezy, factual, and well-illustrated.

John D. Seebach

Colorado Mesa University

A four-field approach to introducing archaeology, with clear and readable language. Probably one of the most relevant texts I've seen. I'd adopt it now if possible.

Ryan K. McNutt

Georgia Southern University

Archaeology and World Prehistory provides an introduction to the field through the examination of history of the world and how we know what we know. This book takes an interdisciplinary approach, emphasizing cross-cultural comparison as opposed to the topical framework used in my current text.

Jessica Yann

Michigan State University

This book is a perfect mix between a more theoretical approach and a world history textbook. Archaeology and World Prehistory will make learning more approachable for students, as it teaches them the tools needed to understand how archaeology works without coming across as repetitive.

Isabel Maggiano

University of West Georgia

This book is designed for both anthropology and non-anthropology majors and presents different theoretical perspectives while combating essentialism and ethnocentrism within the field.

Nathan Lawres

University of West Georgia

Key features

Theories and methods are thoroughly introduced in the beginning and called on throughout each chapter.
Both scientific and humanistic views of archaeological interpretation are covered to provide students with a balanced perspective.
A clear organization allows students to explore archeological concepts both chronologically and regionally.
Relevance and application of archaeology in the modern world is emphasized throughout, including discussions on cultural resource management, cultural patrimony, and the archaeology of the modern world.
Vibrant photos and illustrations throughout offer perspective and engage visual learners.
Case studies in each chapter provide context and prompt deeper understanding.
Highlight boxes deliver more detailed discussions of theories, methods, or discoveries explored in the main text. Topics include underwater archaeology, the meaning of Paleolithic rock art, and changing perspectives in archaeological interpretation.
Past in the Present boxes underscore the relevance and connections of archaeology with the present. Topics include the Neanderthal in us, the Paleolithic diet, the fate of the Parthenon’s Marbles, and climate change in human history.
Detailed Learning Objectives are addressed in the major headings for each chapter.

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Archaeology and World Prehistory
Unearthing Our Past

Sage College Publishing