“Archaeologists only look at what lies beneath their feet. The sky and the heavens don’t exist for them.”
Whether it be the lure of lost treasure in distant lands or watching too many Indiana Jones films, archaeology is a field of science that fascinates millions of us. By uncovering everything from ornaments to bodies buried in the ground, archaeology often provides groundbreaking glimpses into the past, offering insights into how people lived and civilisations functioned in a way no other field can match. Join us at What We Reading as we pay homage to this part of the science with the best books on archaeology!
Archaeology: Theories, Methods And Practice – Colin Renfrew And Paul G. Bahn
For one of the best archaeology books that offers a comprehensive overview of the subject, Colin Renfrew and Paul G. Bahn’s work remains one of the most impressive. Updated to reflect the ever-changing face of modern archaeology, the authors combine theoretical approaches such as agency, materiality, and engagement theory with their practical applications in the field.
The end result is an illuminating resource on the evolution of archaeology from concept to application, with the authors offering their critical assessments on some of the biggest developments uncovered in recent times.
Gods, Graves and Scholars: The Story Of Archaeology – C.W. Ceram
Author C.W. Ceram chronicles the extraordinary history of Archaeology and walks in the footsteps of its greatest figures and discoveries in his famed work, Gods, Graves and Scholars. Having envisioned the field as one of high adventure, romance, history and scholarship, readers follow Ceram and Heinrich Schliemann on an epic trek through some of the most ancient wonders from the history of civilisation.
The book documents Ceram’s unearthing of the city of Troy, the reconstruction of how Lord Carnarvon and Howard Carter discovered the riches of Tutankhamen’s tomb, the mysteries surrounding the Labyrinth of the Minotaur in Crete to the Mayan wonders of the Chichen Itza. Having sold over five million copies and remained in print since 1949, it remains one of the most timeless archaeology books.
Digging Up Britain A New History In Ten Extraordinary Discoveries – Mike Pitts
Award-winning journalist and editor of Britain’s leading archaeological magazine, British Archaeology, there isn’t much Mike Pitts doesn’t know about digging things out of the ground.
In Digging Up Britain, Pitts explores the staggering prehistory of the British Isles. He does this by taking readers on an illuminating journey across some of the most significant and fascinating recent discoveries archaeologists have made. Varying from huge projects to chance finds, it perfectly encapsulates how archaeology is so often a blend between cutting-edge science and blind luck. The result is a profound and eye-opening journey through time in Britain’s most distant past.
Ancestors: A History Of Britain In Seven Burials – Alice Roberts
Another one of the best British archaeology books comes from Professor Alice Roberts. In Ancestors, the archaeologist, broadcaster and academic paints a compelling tale of identity and belonging by taking readers on a remarkable journey through the past.
Told through seven different burial sites uncovered by archaeologists, Roberts explores what life was like for Ancient Britons in different eras. The stories and discoveries these sites offer give us the best glimpse into the past, as well as teach us invaluable lessons on how people came and went through the bones preserved for thousands of years in the ground.
The Dawn Of Everything: A New History Of Humanity – David Graeber And David Wengrow
Authors David Graeber and David Wengrow offer a compelling new insight into the fundamentals of human history and social development in The Dawn of Everything. Based on the latest pathbreaking research in archaeology and anthropology, they attempt to dispel the narratives about our prehistoric ancestors being primitive.
From the development of agriculture to the origins of state, democracy and inequality, The Dawn of Everything is a combination of playful possibilities grounded in very real scientific findings. The result is not only a stunning read into understanding humanity’s past but also its possible future.
A Little History Of Archaeology – Brian Fagan
Professor Brian Fagan offers readers a compelling insight into the audacious explorers and astonishing discoveries throughout the history of archaeology in A Little History of Archaeology.
From the ruins of Pompeii, Mayan ruins to the first colonial settlements at Jamestown, The Little History maps the evolution of archaeological discoveries and the incredible individuals behind these finds. Illuminating the biggest events and controversies involved with this field of science, it is one of the best books on archaeology for capturing the inner workings and the wonder of those who dedicate their lives to studying it.
The Archaeology Of Weapons: Arms And Armour From Prehistory To The Age Of Chivalry – Ewart Oakeshott
Spanning thirty centuries, Ewart Oakeshott’s The Archaeology of Weapons is one of the most complete resources on premodern weapons of war. Beginning with prehistoric weapons from the Bronze and Iron Ages, through the breakup of the Roman Empire, the reign of the Vikings and ending with the Age of Chivalry, it is the perfect resource for any reader interested in military history.
Utilising contemporary art and literature as well as evidence found in bogs, tombs, rivers, excavations, and other sites, Oakeshott completes The Archaeology of Weapons with an array of dazzling hand-drawn line drawings to provide a vivid visual account of these discoveries along with thoroughly researched written accounts.
On The Road Of The Winds: An Archæological History Of The Pacific Islands Before European Contact – Patrick Vinton Kirch
The Pacific Ocean covers one-third of the Earth’s surface and consists of a stunning array of islands, many of which have housed human societies and cultures. From the statue carvers of Easter Island, the Polynesian double-hulled canoe navigators to the atoll dwellers of Micronesia, Patrick Vinton Kirch compiles the latest archaeological discoveries into these remarkable Pacific societies.
Encompassing over 40,000 years of history and aiming to answer questions that have plagued archaeologists for two centuries, On the Road of the Winds is a stunning read that not only sheds light on this fascinating part of the world but also the profound advancements in archaeological efforts in recent times.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
