Three Stones Make a Wall: The Story of Archaeology

by Eric H. Cline, Glynnis Fawkes (Illustrator)

Overview

From the bestselling author of 1177 B.C., a comprehensive history of archaeology—from its amateur beginnings to the cutting-edge science it is today

In 1922, Howard Carter peered into Tutankhamun’s tomb for the first time, the only light coming from the candle in his outstretched hand. Urged to tell what he was seeing through the small opening he had cut in the door to the tomb, the Egyptologist famously replied, “I see wonderful things.” Carter’s fabulous discovery is just one of the many spellbinding stories told in Three Stones Make a Wall. Written by Eric Cline, an archaeologist with more than thirty seasons of excavation experience, this book traces the history of archaeology from an amateur pursuit to the cutting-edge science it is today by taking the reader on a tour of major archaeological sites and discoveries. Along the way, it addresses the questions archaeologists are asked most often: How do you know where to dig? How are excavations actually done? How do you know how old something is? Who gets to keep what is found? Taking readers from the pioneering digs of the eighteenth century to today’s exciting new discoveries, Three Stones Make a Wall is a lively and essential introduction to the story of archaeology.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780691183237
Publisher:	Princeton University Press
Publication date:	11/06/2018
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	480
Sales rank:	680,267
Product dimensions:	5.20(w) x 7.90(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

Eric H. Cline is professor of classics and anthropology and director of the Capitol Archaeological Institute at George Washington University. His many books include 1177 B.C.: The Year Civilization Collapsed (Princeton).

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations vii

Preface: A Petrified Monkey’s Paw xi

Prologue: “Wonderful Things”: King Tut and His Tomb 1

Part 1 Early Archaeology and Archaeologists

1 Ashes to Ashes in Ancient Italy 13

2 Digging Up Troy 24

3 From Egypt to Eternity 38

4 Mysteries in Mesopotamia 52

5 Exploring the Jungles of Central America 66

Digging Deeper 1: How Do You Know Where to Dig? 80

Part 2 Africa, Europe, and the Levant: Early Hominins to Farmers

6 Discovering Our Earliest Ancestors 97

7 First Farmers in the Fertile Crescent 115

Part 3 Excavating the Bronze Age Aegean

8 Revealing the First Greeks 131

9 Finding Atlantis? 146

10 Enchantment Under the Sea 157

Part 4 Uncovering the Classics

11 From Discus-Throwing to Democracy 171

12 What Have the Romans Ever Done for Us? 188

Digging Deeper 2: How Do You Know How to Dig? 204

Part 5 Discoveries in the Holy Land and Beyond

13 Excavating Armageddon 221

14 Unearthing the Bible 234

15 Mystery at Masada 245

16 Cities of the Desert 257

Digging Deeper 3: How Old Is This and Why Is It Preserved? 269

Part 6 New World Archaeology

17 Lines in the Sand, Cities in the Sky 291

18 Giant Heads, Feathered Serpents, and Golden Eagles 303

19 Submarines and Settlers; Gold Coins and Lead Bullets 314

Digging Deeper 4: Do You Get to Keep What You Find? 326

Epilogue: Back to the Future 333

Acknowledgments 341

Notes 343

Bibliography 383

Index 431

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"This book takes your hand and leads you on a magical archaeology mystery tour across the globe. You'll meet famous archaeologists, explore legendary sites, and see the latest discoveries using new technologies. Archaeology is full of ‘wonderful things,' and Three Stones Make a Wall, written by one of its greatest storytellers, is a must-have."—Sarah Parcak, University of Alabama at Birmingham, winner of the 2016 TED Prize

"Eric Cline takes the reader on an amazing journey through the history of archaeology, essentially allowing us to walk in the boots of archaeologists at the moment of the greatest discoveries of all time. This book is at once a wonderful introduction for those curious to know more about archaeology and a relevant read for lifelong excavators who uphold our human responsibility to uncover, preserve, and protect our past."—Kara Cooney, author of The Woman Who Would Be King: Hatshepsut's Rise to Power in Ancient Egypt

"Three Stones Make a Wall is an experienced archaeologist's fast-paced and fascinating account of the field's ‘greatest hits,' one that will engage all readers no matter what their background."—Jodi Magness, author of The Archaeology of the Holy Land

"In this up-to-date and eminently readable introduction to the field, Eric Cline, one of the world's foremost archaeologists, gives people a chance to peek behind the curtain of the mysterious and exciting world of archaeology. Readers will learn about famous sites and discoveries around the world as well as how to find, dig, and date ancient artifacts without ever leaving the house."—Candida Moss, author of The Myth of Persecution: How Early Christians Invented a Story of Martyrdom

"I loved this book. Three Stones Make a Wall is a great read filled with many interesting stories. A terrific piece of work."—Kenneth L. Feder, author of The Past in Perspective: An Introduction to Human Prehistory

"Cline provides an excellent history of both civilizations and the archaeological process—his knowledge of the subject is second to none."—Robert R. Cargill, author of The Cities That Built the Bible

"An accurate and engaging picture of archaeology past and present. This book fills a real need within the discipline, as it properly presents archaeology to the public in a way that has not been done before."—Rachel Hallote, author of Bible, Map, and Spade: The American Palestine Exploration Society, Frederick Jones Bliss, and the Forgotten Story of Early American Biblical Archeology

Editorial Reviews

One of CHOICE’s Outstanding Academic Titles for 2017

Winner of the 2018 Nancy Lapp Popular Book Award, American Schools of Oriental Research

From the Publisher

"Takes you on fascinating, enriching visits to excavation sites around the world, bringing each to life in a way that will have you remember and treasure the people involved and the artifacts uncovered. Highly recommended!"

DIG Magazine

"This is a great title for big and small libraries, to allow readers to access this curious book locally."

Pennsylvania Literary Journal

"The seasoned anthropologist-adventurer Eric H. Cline does his best to re-burnish the lost glow of archaeology by collecting several stories of remarkable discoveries in a single well-written volume. The book goes a long way toward reviving the idea that the past, rather than being buried and gone, is the last and greatest frontier of human exploration."

New Criterion

"Written with vigour, authority, and wit, this antidote to dry volumes of worthy debate is a welcome reminder that archaeology can–and should–be told in a way that is exciting, fresh, and fun."

Current World Archaeology