This dictionary provides those studying or working in archaeology with a complete reference to the field. The entries, which range from key-word definitions to longer articles, convey the challenges, ambiguities and theoretical context of archaeology as well as the surveyed and excavated data. The dictionary is based on the premise that archaeology is a process rather than simply a body of knowledge, and includes contributions from more than forty of the world's leading archaeologists.

Unlike other dictionaries of archaeology, this volume provides comprehensive coverage of recent archaeological theory together with examples of practical applications and cross-references to site entries. The Dictionary also incorporates concepts and movements from adjacent fields such as anthropology, sociology, philosophy and human biology. There are also numerous entries on previously neglected areas such as China, Japan and Oceania. The bibliographies that follow virtually every entry enable the reader to easily locate primary or most recent sources.