Fringe archaeology : unraveling the mysteries of the past / Christopher DeCorse, Syracuse University.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

DeCorse, Christopher R., Author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Archaeology.

Archaeology--History.

Archaeology in mass media--Pictorial works.

Archaeology in mass media.

archaeology.

Genre:

Illustrated works.

Physical Description:

xvii, 291 pages : illustrations (chiefly color), facsimiles, graphs, maps (some color), color plan ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

San Diego : Cognella, [2025]

Biography/History:

Christopher DeCorse: Ph. D., University of California, Los Angeles. "Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Anthropology Department at Syracuse University."--Printed paper wrapper, page 4.

Summary:

"'Fringe Archaeology: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Past' explores the intersection of archaeology with popular culture, myth, and fiction. Beginning with archaeology's representation in popular media, the book scrutinizes the distinction between modern archaeology and alternative, fantastic, and fringe narratives of the past. The text examines the antiquarian roots of archaeology, conflicting interpretations of the archaeological record, and the impact of pseudo-archaeological claims on public understanding. Through nine engaging chapters, readers are guided through topics covering the foundations of archaeological methods, the fossil record of human origins, the relationship between Neanderthals and modern humans, the complexities of Neolithic cultures, fact and fantasy in the study of the ancient Egyptian past, and the story of Nazi archaeology and the politics of the past. The book demystifies sensationalist and non-scientific interpretations while providing a clear understanding of archaeological practice and evidence. Designed to enhance students' critical thinking, the evaluation of archaeological evidence, and the responsible interpretation of the past, 'Fringe Archaeology' is an exemplary resource as a primary or supplementary textbook for archaeology, history, and anthropology classes."--Printed paper wrapper, page 4.

Contents:

(from "Brief Contents") Preface

Chapter 1. Archaeology in Popular Culture

Chapter 2. Relic Hunting as a Profession

Chapter 3. Dinosaurs and Humans Living Together?! Context, Dating, and the Fossil Record

Chapter 4. Clan of the Cave Bear: The Changing Face of Neanderthal

Chapter 5. Megaliths, Druids, and Neolithic Complexity

Chapter 6. The Mummy's Curse: Ancient Egypt in Fact and Fiction

Chapter 7. Gods From Outer Space? Diffusion in Archaeology

Chapter 8. "Raiders of the Lost Ark": The Politics of the Past

Chapter 9. The Vanishing Past: Cultural Resource Management.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 235-281) and index.

ISBN:

9798823307277

OCLC:

1461765218