Controversies in Archaeology

by Alice Beck Kehoe

Atlantis, ancient astronauts, and pyramid power. Archaeologists are perennially bombarded with questions about the “mysteries” of the past. They are also constantly addressing more realistic origins of the First Americans, the ownership of antiquities, and national claims to historical territories. Alice Beck Kehoe offers to introductory students a method of evaluating and assessing these claims about the past in this reader-friendly, concise text. She shows how to use the methods of science to challenge the legitimacy of pseudoscientific proclamations and develop reasonable interpretations on controversial issues. Not one to shy away from controversy herself, Kehoe takes some stands―on transpacific migration, shamanism, the Kensington Runestone―which will challenge instructor and students alike, and foster class discussion.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Archaeology

256 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2008

Reviews

[John Lowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really more like 2.5. I liked this at first but as it went on it got a bit tedious and very author-centric. Some of it was too casual, some a bit nasty, and in some cases I don't think her conclusions were warranted. Also somehow she's on the right side of all the controversies, amazing huh?

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gets kind of dense towards the end for a non archeologist. Would recommend re reading and googling for deeper understanding. The ending is also more concerned about controversy in archeological research itself rather than debunking pseudoscience which is also pretty cool.

[Chip Beckwith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Provocative and thought provoking. I appreciated the "short story" approach across a wide range of topics. I also appreciated the author's courage and willingness to present theories and conjecture as possibilities. I especially appreciated the Cahokia story - a largely unknown chapter in American pre-history.

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy to read take on archaeological controversies, however, there is too much focus on NAGPRA, which is very often the case with American ethics books.