Archaeology: An Introduction to the World's Greatest Sites

De: Eric H. Cline, The Great Courses

Narrado por: Eric H. Cline

The work of archaeologists has commanded worldwide attention and captivated the human imagination since the earliest days of exploration, with groundbreaking discoveries such as the treasures of ancient Egypt, the lost kingdoms of the Maya, and the fabled city of Troy. Archaeology brings us face-to-face with our distant ancestors, with treasures of the past, and with life as it was lived in long-ago civilizations.

Despite the fascinating and often romantic appeal of archaeology, many of us have little idea of what the field actually involves. What, exactly, do archaeologists do? What takes place on an archaeological dig? And how does the reality of the work differ from what we see in Indiana Jones movies?

Archaeology: An Introduction to the World's Greatest Sites, taught by renowned archaeologist and National Geographic Explorer Eric H. Cline, answers these questions and more in rich and provocative detail. These 24 thrilling lectures, produced in partnership with National Geographic, introduces you to over 20 of the most significant and enthralling archaeological sites on the planet, providing both in-depth looks at the sites themselves and an insider's view of the history, science, and technology of archaeology. Prepare yourself for a vivid and detailed exploration of archaeology's most magnificent discoveries in the company of an expert archaeologist with decades of experience in the field.

©2016 The Great Courses (P)2016 The Teaching Company, LLC

Good Tactics

The author begins with two of the most interesting sites - Pompey/Herculaneum and somewhere in the Middle East (can't remember - but it was interesting), which was a good tactic on his part, for he has a few static chapters where he delves into the processes (and challenges, some political and cultural) of international archaeology.

Focus too much on the Mediterranean

A great book. Had a lot of fun listening to it. The only thing not up to my expectation is the author spent 85% of the time on various sites of the Mediterranean, which are only one small part of the human heritage.

Great survey of the Field

Eric Cline presented a Great survey of the field of archaeology in an enjoyable and informative way! I really enjoyed the author zooming in on important sites around the world to learn more about them.

Solid Audiobook

Solid book, but could perhaps use a bit more spice when it comes to the cultures. I have visited several of the sights mentioned and they have a bit more of a back story regarding the everyday lives of the people involved which I thought was missing. But, a very good audiobook.

facinating!

Clear and interesting. Great for laypeople dipping their toe in. Give it a try. Enjoy.

Amazingly presented, so interesting!

Love Professor Cline! I have every audiobook that he presents that I could find. My 9 year old daughter has also been listening to this audiobook and has been enjoying it.

Good but Simplistic

Back in 1973 I started wanting to take about a minor in anthropology because there wasn't archaeology classes. I read as much as I could in the University and public library. These classes were good but I wanted more demanding.

Cline has done some good and better publications that I would wish they were available in Audible editions.

So if you are just starting out in archaeology this is good but I need more detailed information and more recent updated knowledge.

These

Wonderful!

Such a terrific and engaging overview. I listened to some chapters several times each!

Cline is a fabulous teacher. I also recommend his Trojan War series of lectures.

Fascinating

This is an excellent overview of archeology. The narrator is an experienced archeologist and extremely knowledgeable. It was a pleasure listening to him because he was so interesting. I would like to immediately listen to this book again.

Nice One Eric

This lecture series was exactly what I was hoping it would be. A good look at all the really famous archaeological sites: Pompeii, the Egyptian pyramids, Troy etc., plus an exploration of other interesting archaeological phenomena like ancient sunken ships and exceptionally well preserved bodies such as Otzi the Ice Man. With each site you get the stories of the people who excavated them, and a lot of Eric's personal anecdotes to illustrate and add texture.

There’s also information about how an excavation is planned, including the logistics of funding, how sites are located, what tools are used and so on. This might sound a bit dry but Eric has an infectious passion for his subject which makes you want to know all about it, even if his jokes are a bit crappy.

He also gives really good answers to questions like – ‘How do we date the finds?’ and ‘How are these items able to last so long in the ground?’ However, one question he asks but won't answer is ‘How much money can I get for my antique?’ People often contact him with this question - but the code of ethics prevents the promotion of commercial activity as this financial motive is the cause of the increasing amount of archaeological looting going on in the world today. It is so important to discourage this, so that these ancient relics can be properly preserved in their original context.

Eric won’t tell you how much your antique is worth – so don’t ask him.