Discover the core principles of archaeological investigation with Archaeology Down to Earth, the 5th edition authored by two leading figures in the field: Robert L. Kelly of the University of Wyoming and David Hurst Thomas of the American Museum of Natural History. Published by Cengage Learning on January 1, 2013 (ISBN-10: 1133608647, ISBN-13: 978-1133608646), this authoritative work offers a practical and engaging exploration of archaeology.

Through carefully selected real-world examples, this book demonstrates how archaeologists tackle challenges both in the field and in the laboratory. Readers will develop essential skills in critical thinking, learning to ask insightful questions, solve complex problems, and accurately discern “truth” from “fiction” within archaeological contexts. The text provides a clear understanding of archaeological data, detailing methodologies such as archaeological survey and excavation. It also fosters a sense of scientific logic and illuminates the diverse career opportunities available in archaeology.

This edition features an enhanced full-color design, significantly improving visual presentation and allowing for clearer comprehension of key images and concepts. Complementing the textual content, a rich array of supplemental resources is available, including a new companion website and the option to engage with the authors’ “Doing Fieldwork: Archaeological Demonstrations CD-ROM, Version 2.0,” designed to further enrich the learning experience.