Stones, Bones and Ancient Cities: Great Discoveries in Archaeology and the Search for Human Origins

by Lawrence H. Robbins

The idea for this book grew directly out of a course developed by Lawrence Robbins, Professor of Anthopology at Michigan State University, called "Great Discoveries in Archaeology." Professor Robbins saw the need for a good introductory book for the course. The book is primarily about four areas: 1) Spectacular and important finds and the way they were made; 2) The personalities concerned with many of these discoveries; 3) The reaction to the finds and their impact on both science and the public; and 4) Changing interpretations about the discoveries. Dr. Robbins discusses many great discoveries, including the discovery of Lucy, European cave art, Tomb of Tutankhamen, Troy, Pompeii, Machu Picchu, Stonehenge, Native American sites, the Rosetta Stone and the Dead Sea Scrolls. This is a reprint of the 1990 edition with the addition of a new preface that discusses some of the surprising new finds that have appeared since this book was first published. "A modern day Indiana Jones, archaeologist Robbins has compiled facts, theories, and personal experience into ... a fascinating, highly readable and informative excursion into the richness of the past and the secrets it holds." Booklist "The stories are varied and fascinating ... The photographs, particularly of cave art, are unusually good." West Coast Review of Books

Genres: Archaeology, Nonfiction, Anthropology

267 pages, Paperback

First published December 12, 1978

Reviews

[Jay Pascacio · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read, even for people who may not be well-versed in archaeology. In this book, Lawrence Robbins details many of the most significant and interesting discoveries in archeology, ranging from the skeletons and cave arts of prehistoric humans, early forms of writings, astonishing architectures, lost cities, and even the seemingly insignificant finds that allowed researchers to determine how and where our ancestors lived. As he detailed these discoveries, the author recounted the stories of the curiosity, resilience, luck, and at times selfishness, of the people who led these great discoveries and who pioneered archeology as a discipline.

Even more interesting, from the perspective of social anthropology, is the similarities between different societies that developed separately. For instance, the similar myths that developed in different cultures. There is something, I think, about these similarities that is indicative of the universal human condition, as Robbins himself points out. It is an interesting thought to entertain that, despite our differences, many of the principles that underlie our thinking and action remain universal and indeed, intimately human.

[Harvey Dias · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a survey of some important archaeological finds and advances. The author, an anthropologist, does a good job of conveying the thrill of discovery. If you have an interest in King Tut, the Anasazis, Vikings, the Incans, Noah’s Ark, Neanderthals, the Rosetta Stone and other such ancient people and things, you will find this an interesting read.

[Netty Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little dense and slightled outdated now but thats what happens with science books so i got myself into this. Although i did learn a ton and this made me wanna pick up my other archeology book. So job well done