Written by the most authoritative scholars from around the world, a massive treasurehouse of information on all aspects of archaeology, from prehistory to the present day. • Includes 500+ A–Z entries on pioneers such as J. Desmond Clark, sites including Chichén Itzá in Mexico, remote sensing and other concepts and techniques, periods, regions, organizations, and museums • Contributors include some of the world's most eminent archaeologists • Includes maps depicting key points of reference like ethnic groups in the West Indies at the time of Columbus • Contains photographs of excavation sites such as an ancient burial ground in Chile, shields, petroglyphs, and other artifacts