There are many areas of the world and periods in the story of the human race to which archaeologists can devote themselves through research and excavation. From Roman coins to Egyptian hieroglyphs, from the Maya pyramids to the megaliths of Stonehenge, there is something to intrigue, obsess and satisfy everyone with imagination, dedication and enthusiasm [...]
Research and Academia
October 11, 2009 By Filed Under: Careers in archaeology, Specialisms, Studying archaeology
Maritime and Coastal Archaeology
October 11, 2009 By Filed Under: Advice, Careers in archaeology, Specialisms, Studying archaeology
The dramatic emergence of the Mary Rose from the bottom of the sea off Portsmouth in 1982 inspired many an archaeologist to enroll in diving lessons (see CA 218). However, maritime archaeologists also study submerged cultural environments and coastal settlements, as well as ships, ports and harbours, to set them within the relevant socio-political context. [...]
Industrial Archaeology
October 11, 2009 By Filed Under: Advice, Careers in archaeology, Specialisms, Studying archaeology
The archaeology of the industrialised world is gaining popularity. Although its roots can been seen as far back as the 16th century, the Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries was a time of great change in this country and around the world. Its architecture, the emergent technology and the physical remains of the [...]
Cognitive Archaeology
October 11, 2009 By Filed Under: Advice, Careers in archaeology, Education Advice, Specialisms, Studying archaeology
This specialism looks at ideologies and belief systems of previous civilisationsthrough their religious structures,art and practices and covers a broad spectrum of sub-disciplines. Archaeoastronomy comes under this heading. Since time immemorial humans have looked to the skies. Archaeoastronomy concentrates on how ancient cultures traced the movements of the planets and the subsequent significance of their [...]
Battlefield Archaeology
October 11, 2009 By Filed Under: Advice, Careers in archaeology, Specialisms, Studying archaeology
Initially, this area came under the auspices of general field archaeology, but battlefield experts have rapidly developed it into a specialist subject which, due to its very nature, is often a sensitive one, especially – especially when dealing with World War I and II sites, which still affect people living today. Because battles invariably took [...]
Experimental archaeology
October 11, 2009 By Filed Under: Advice, Careers in archaeology, Education Advice, Specialisms, Studying archaeology
In experimental archaeology, archaeological theories are put to the test in a practical way by recreating lost structures or artefacts using the same techniques as would have been employed for the originals. The Iron Age farm at Butser (CA 188) and the Ferriby Bronze Age boat (CA 191) are two examples.
Conservation in Archaeology
October 11, 2009 By Filed Under: Advice, Careers in archaeology, Specialisms, Studying archaeology
Conservators work on archaeological finds and structures, using a knowledge of the cultural background of the subject matter as well as scientific methods to document, examine, analyse and preserve the material. It is often painstaking but extremely rewarding work, and requires an understanding of the environmental conditions in which the archaeological material has been preserved [...]
Environmental archaeology
October 11, 2009 By Filed Under: Advice, Careers in archaeology, Specialisms, Studying archaeology
Environmental archaeology is the study of the long-term relationship between humans and their environments. It has emerged as a formal sub-discipline within the last 30 years, and become firmly established as an essential component to most excavation projects. The subject is, itself, broken down into further specialisms, including: • Archaeobotany (also known as paleoethnobotany) is [...]
Forensic archaeology and Osteoarchaeology
October 11, 2009 By Filed Under: Advice, Careers in archaeology, Specialisms
A relative newcomer to the world of archaeology, forensic techniques have been responsible for startling revelations – such as that Napoleon Bonaparte suffered arsenic poisoning, with significant traces of the toxin found in his hair – and is increasingly being employed to solve modern criminal investigations. • Osteoarchaeology is the detailed study of human bones, [...]
Archaeological Science
October 11, 2009 By Filed Under: Advice, Careers in archaeology, Specialisms
Scientific investigative techniques are constantly changing, improving and significantly enhancing our archaeological knowledge. Archaeological science, also known as Archaeometry, comprises many furthe rsub-divisions which often overlap. Broadly, it involves the dating and the detailed scientific analysis of artefacts. Dating techniques include: Thermoluminescence (for inorganic material), Radiocarbon dating (for organic material), the use of Bayesian statistics [...]
Archaeologies of Real Life
June 20, 2008 By Filed Under: Getting started
Disillusioned by popular representations, Bradley L. Garrett finds himself with an M.A. in archaeology – but is not entirely sure what to do with it.
How much do archaeologists earn?
June 14, 2007 By Filed Under: Getting started
An estimate of how much archaeologists earn was provided in 1999 in a survey of archaeological jobs in the UK entitled Profiling the Profession funded by English Heritage and published jointly by them, the Council for British Archaeology, and the Institute of Field Archaeologists.
How to become an archaeologist
June 14, 2007 By Filed Under: Getting started
Current Archaeology's advice to those about to seek a paid career in archaeology is identical to Mr Punch's advice to those about to get married: Don't. Jobs in archaeology are few and far between. However, do not despair: there are other ways of becoming an archaeologist than becoming a professional archaeologist.
A Career in Archaeology
June 14, 2007 By Filed Under: Getting started
Should you make a career in archaeology? The Current Archaeology Career guide has traditionally been gloomy: click here for our original – and now classic – advice. Archaeology is certainly a career where the supply of those wishing to become an archaeologist always exceeds the demand for their services, so that jobs are almost almost [...]
