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archaeology [n.] [US also archeology]

the study of human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of physical remains. DERIVATIVES archaeologic, adjective; archaeological, adjective; archaeologist, noun.
- ORIGIN from Greek arkhaios ‘ancient’.

Compact Oxford English Dictionary

This page provides links to information and resources for units and topics covered in this subject at a range of Australian universities. It does not attempt to include all these. Be aware some units/topics have different titles in different universities, even though content may be the same or similar. Australian information is supplied wherever possible.

They are at undergraduate level and listed in alphabetical groupings for ease of access. Some information may be useful at a higher level.

There are multiple pages that can be accessed using either the page number boxes above or the other links.

This page looks at Australian Archaeology and topics from A to L including Archaeology of Civilisations, dating methods, Forensic Archaeology, Human Evolution and Language Origins.

The Second Page looks at journals, topics from M to Z including Marine Archaeology, Neandertals, Public Archaeology, Stone Artifacts, sites and museums.

All standard Glossaries are now found on this page, listed alphabetically.

Additional unit material will be included as time permits.

If you are aware of any worthwhile information which is not included, suggestions or additions are welcome and will be given every consideration.

Archaeologica News. Updated daily. Podcast, link to a forum and other resources. Hear the news in audio.

Australian Archaeology

Associations & Groups

• Australasian Society for Historical Archaeology
  Papers, monographs, journal, conference information, more. Emphasis on historical archaeology in Australia, New Zealand, Asian, Pacific regions.
• Australian Archaeological Association
  ‘Organisation for the discussion and dissemination of archaeological ideas.’ Study options for Australia. Links listing.
• Australasian Quaternary Association
  ‘Brings together researchers studying various aspects of the Quaternary period in the Australasian region.’

Australian Archaeological Journals

• Australian Aboriginal Studies
  Abstracts for articles from 1983 to 2004.
• Australian Archaeology
• Quaternary Australasia
  1996 to 2004.

General Sites & Portals

• Archaeology World
  Australian National University. Dating humans in Australia.
• Australian Paleoanthropology Index
  Archaeology Department, University of New England.
• Australia’s Lost Kingdoms
  ‘Australia’s reptiles, birds and mammals from the Cretaceous to the present’.
• Human Origins Debate in Australia
  Peter Brown, University of New England. Article on evidence of human origins in Australia.
• Index of Dates from Archaeological Sites in Queensland
  ‘Compilation of chronometric determinations obtained from archaeological sites in the state of Queensland, including Torres Strait, to the end of 2000. Includes conventional radiocarbon ¹⁴C, accelerator mass spectrometry, thermoluminescence and optically-stimulated luminescence determinations.’ 2000 and 2004 indexes available. Excel and Text downloads.
• Queensland Archaeological Research
  Research in Queensland. University of Queensland.
• Regions
  Archaeology in Australia, New Zealand.

Indigenous Archaeology

• Check the section on Archaeology & Anthropology on the Indigenous Australia page.
• Aboriginal Rock Art
  Brief description, links to further information.
• AusAnthrop
  Research and Resources on Aboriginal Australia. Anthropological and archaeological information includes the following.

• Australian Aboriginal Tribes Database
• Kinship Tutorial
• Online Scientific Papers on Aboriginal Anthropology

• Australian Rock Art Association
  Rock art, dating, other areas of archaeology.

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A - F

Archaeology of Animal Bones

• Archaeozoology [Zooarchaeology] Web Resources
  Links under several headings.
• Diversity Web
  University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. Animal names, special topics, teaching topics, more.
• International Council for Archaeozoology
  What is Archaeozoology ?, bibliography, the Council, links.
• Society of Avian Paleontology and Evolution
  ‘Links to literature on avian palaeontology available online. At the moment it comprises some 1 115 links.’ Done alphabetically.
• The Integrated Taxonomic Information System
  ‘Find authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, microbes of North America and the world.’

Blogs

• Archaeology and Palaeopathology
  ‘Academic site where students, professionals and interested public can exchange information on all aspects of Funerary, Biological and Forensic Archaeology, Medical and Forensic Anthropology, Palaeopathology and related sub-disciplines.’
• New Archaeology
  More than just breaking information.
• Online Archaeology Blog
  ‘Categorised list of archaeology-related RSS feeds.’
• Suite 101 Blog [Natasha Sheldon]
  Access information.

Civilisations, Archaeology of

• Ancient Civilisation News
  News and research findings, Science Daily. Encyclopaedia articles, book reviews, RSS feed, more.
• Ancient Times - Exploring Ancient Eras
  ‘Private online community for the intention of fostering good solid historical discussion on aspects of ancient times, civilizations, cultures, archaeology, civilisations.’
• Civilisations of the Past
  Links in directories.
• Famous Civilisations
  Looks at better known civilisations. ‘Finding clues to these civilizations is what makes archaeology interesting.’ More an introduction.
• Mediterranean Archaeology
• Resources for Greek Art & Archaeology
  Extensive links broken into sections.

Dating Methodologies

General information, specific techniques, explanations, research, commentaries, more.

Archaeomagnetism & Palaeomagnetism

• Archaeomagnetism
  Article from the emuseum.
• Palaeomagnetism
  Published book by Robert F. Butler. Now online in PDF format.
• What is Archaeomagnetism ?
  What it is, how it works, how the curve was compiled, further reading.

Carbon Dating

The use of ¹⁴Carbon.

• Basic Principles of Radiocarbon Dating
  Theory, pretreatment, measurement, correction, age calculation, calibration.
• How Carbon-14 Dating Works
  From How Stuff Works.
• Radiocarbon WEB-info
  ‘Radiocarbon dating is the technique upon which chronologies of the late Pleistocene and Holocene have been built. Designed to provide online information concerning the radiocarbon dating method.’

Dendrochronology

The use of tree-ring data as a tool for dating.

• Dendrochronology
  A simple primer.
• Dendrochronology [Wikipedia]
• Henri D. Grissino-Mayer’s Ultimate Tree-Ring Web Pages
  ‘Designed to be the Ultimate Source for information on the science of Dendrochronology. I’ve designed these pages to be easily understood by people at all levels of education.’
• Oxford Dendrochronology Laboratory
  The technique from the basics, sampling procedures, interpretation, publications, news, links, more.

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General Dating Information

Sites covering various dating methodology.

• Chronological Methods
  Exercises from the University of California covering various methodology.
• Dating Techniques
  From emuseum. Grouped under relative and absolute techniques.
• Geochronology
  13 methodologies included.
• Oxford University RLAHA
  Archaeological Research Laboratory. Scientific methods for the study of the past. Radiocarbon acceleration and luminescence.
• Record of Time
  ‘Introduction to the nature of fossils and palaeoanthropological dating methods.’

Isotopic Dating

Isochronic as well as Isotopic dating.

• Isochron Dating
  Article in multiple sections. Chris Stassen.
• Isotopic [Radiometric] Dating
  Information from Wikipedia.
• Telling Time
  Lecture notes on Isotopic dating. University of Texas.

Potassium-Argon Dating

• K/Ar and ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar Dating
  ‘Build a list of reference material available to anyone interested in a more comprehensive understanding of argon geochronology.’ Overview, reviews of both systems.
• Potassium-Argon Dating
  The decay series, method, assumptions, applications, references, links. From Wikipedia.
• Potassium-Argon Dating [UCSB]
  Information with movies to demonstrate. University of California.

Thermoluminescence

• A Guide to Tl Date Measurement
  Quaternary TL Surveys. Guidance notes cover 6 chapters with many sub-chapters.
• Thermoluminescence Dating
  From Wikipedia.

Forensic Archaeology

More information will be found on the Anthropology page.

• Forensic Archaeology
  Information, embedded links. External links including to UK universities who specialise in this. From Wikipedia.
• Forensicarchaeology.com
  Topics include What is Forensic Archaeology ?, Teeth, Bones, Bare Bones, Altamira Cave, etc..
• FOS Forensic & Osteoarchaeological Services
  ‘Norwegian company that carries out osteological analysis of human skeletal remains from archaeological and forensic contexts.’ Demonstrates practical applications in this area. Resources, links, books, ebooks, more are listed to help you develop understanding and skills.
• Solving The Osteological Conundrum Of Buried Human Remains
  What can your local archaeologist offer ?. Text article, Southampton University.

Fossils

• Bone Clones®
  Replicated skulls, skeletons ranging from fossil hominids to animals. Costs in $US, additional delivery charges. Essentially reasonable prices.
• Fossil Auctions
  Sealed, weekly and other auctions are available.
• Fossil Evidence in 3D
  Numerous skulls included. Rotate and view in 3D.
• Fossils
  Palaeontological Research Institution. Education, research, exhibits, links, bookstore, more.
• Museum of Palaeontology
  ‘Palaeontology incorporates knowledge from biology, geology, ecology, anthropology, archaeology, and even computer science to understand the processes that have led to the origination and eventual destruction of the different types of animals since life arose.’

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G - L

General Sites

• Anthropology and Archaeology
  Yahoo portal.
• Anthropology on the Internet
• Anthropology on the Internet [2]
  Huge resource in groups and sub-groups.
• Archaeolink
  ‘Provide students and others interested in the fields of archaeology, anthropology, and ancient civilisations a one stop resource for homework help or other projects. While that is still the main theme, it is now expanding into other realms and disciplines.’ Select carefully.
• Archaeological Fieldwork Server
  Work on archaeological sites as volunteers, fieldworkers, etc..
• Archaeological Animations
  Shockwave required.
• Archaeology Channel
  Lengthy list of links from sites to networks, accommodation near sites to magazines [even a comic format archaeology book !].
• Archaeology [Intute]
  70 resource topic areas.
• Archaeology.info
  Quality information, books, reference section, perspectives on topics. Links to areas including the following.

• Human Evolution
• General Archaeology

• Archaeology Links
  Australian National University.
• Archaeology on the Net
  Attempts to link all archaeological sites.
• Archnet
  Based at Arizona State University. Regional Views, Topical Selections, Educational & Research Resources, Institutions & Organisations, Q & A, Search facilities. In addition, consider the links below.
  Brilliant !

• Electronic Course & Course Syllabus by Topic
  Online presentations covering topics. From different sources [see MATRIX in the Tutorial section below].
• Method & Theory
  Directories for resources, institutions, continent, country, region.
• Rock Art & Petroglyphs
  Directories for resources, institutions, continent, country, region.
• Topical Selections
  From Archaeostronomy to Underwater Archaeology. Each link briefly annotated

• British Archaeological Jobs Resource Portal
  Job resource, archaeology information - news, education, links.
• Creation Science
  Debating differences between evolution and creation science. What the beliefs are.
• Intute - Humanities
  Annotated links suitable for undergraduates in this area.
• Oxbow Books
  Publisher of archaeological books.
• Prehistoric Cultures
  Use the alphabetic links at the top to access Anthropological and Archaeological sites.
• The Aerial Archaeological Archive
  Demonstrates use of IT in archaeology and archaeological exploration.
• The Ice Age
  Presentation in multiple parts, George H. Michaels and Brian M. Fagan, University of California.
• The Megalithic Portal
  A very good site. Topic areas, links, news.
• The Tree of Life Home Page
  University of Arizona.
• Unconventional Archaeology
  Interpretations of archaeology making no scientific sense. Examples used to illustrate these.

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Human Evolution

• Becoming Human
  Lesson plans, news, word & phrase glossary [A-Z], expert views, educational processes.
• Bibliography of Fossil Vertebrates
  University of California.
• Charles Darwin
• Early Earth and The Origin of Life
  Summary of beliefs about origins. Information about hypotheses.
• Evolution of Man
  BBC. Origin of the Species, bibliography, human changes, links.
• Harvard List of Evolution
• Human Evolution - The Fossil Evidence
  3 dimensional representations you view in many ways. Different approach to looking at fossils.
• Human Origins and Evolution
  Jeanne Sept, Indiana University. Course, research activities, reading lists, links.
• Institute of Human Origins
  University of Arizona. One major institute looking at early human origins.

Mitochondrial DNA

Mitochondrial DNA is maternally inherited enabling researchers to trace maternal lineage far back in time.

• Fossil Hominids : Mitochondrial DNA
  Article, diagrams, references, commentaries.
• Journey of Mankind
  Stephen Oppenheimer. Section on mitchondrial DNA in its relation to the journey of mankind to its present position. Well presented work. Covers this and goes further.
• Mitochondrial DNA
  Uses in identification, male and female inheritance, genes, genetic influence, related areas, references, links. From Wikipedia.
• Mitochondrial DNA Clarifies Human Evolution
  Article with highlighted major points. Annotated links to further/related information, references, educator resources.
• What, if anything, is a Mitochondrial Eve ?
  Well-presented, though brief, article by Krishna Kunchithapadam. Part of the Fossil Hominids FAQ.
• What is Mitochondrial DNA ?
  ‘What sets mtDNA apart is that, unlike nuclear DNA which is equally inherited from both father and mother, mtDNA is inherited only from the mother, because all our mitochondria are descended from those in our mother’s egg cells. Mitochondrial DNA is passed from a mother to her children, which makes it useful for tracing individuals’ maternal lineage.’

• Ray Troll’s Fine Art : Evolution
  Evolution from eukaryotes to modern humans.
• The Origins of the Species
  The book that turned evolution upside down. Links to related areas.
• Theory of Evolution
• Understanding Evolution
  Excellent. Information, basics to common ground between science and religion, course work, resources.

Landscape Archaeology

• Archaeological Field Survey
  ‘Methodological process by which archaeologists [often landscape archaeologists] collect information about the location, distribution and organisation of past human cultures across a large area’. Primarily an introduction.
• How The Concept of Landscape Archaeology Has Been Applied
  To The Early Stone Age. Extensive article, short bibliography. Good example.
• Landscape Archaeology in West New Britain
  Report, external links. Provides an example of what the topic is all about.
• Landscape Archaeology
  Annotated links from All Archaeology.
• Reading the land
  Article from British Archaeology magazine looking at development of this field over the last half century.

Language Origins, Archaeology of

• Association for the Study ofLanguage In Prehistory
  ‘Encourage and support the study of language in prehistory in all fields and by all means, including research on the early evolution of human language.’ Mother Tongue magazine available online.
• Language Origins Without the Semantic Urge
  ‘Attempts to bring a fresh perspective on this old question.’
• OMLL : The Origin of Man, Language and Languages
  European studies in this area. A huge listing is provided. Worth visiting if only for ideas and to see what others are doing.
• The Hypoglossal Canal …
  And The Origin of Human Vocal Behaviour. Abstract, article, figures & tables, references.
• The Origin and Evolution of Human Language
  Books, Websites, and Other Sources.Listing from an American University.
• The Origins of Speech
  Article, Cambridge Archaeological Journal. Extensive bibliography.

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