Larousse encyclopedia of archaeology / edited by Gilbert Charles-Picard; translated from the French by Anne Ward

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction -- Archaeology at work -- What is archaeology -- How monuments survive -- How to locate a site -- The excavation -- Establishing dates -- Restoration, exhibition and publication -- The recovery of the past -- Prehistoric archaeology -- Western Asia before Alexander -- The Nile Valley -- The Aegean world -- Classical Greece -- The Etruscans -- The Romans -- Europe in the Bronze and Iron ages -- The Americas -- India, Pakistan and Afghanistan -- The Far East South-east Asia -- China -- Further reading list -- Index -- Acknowledgements.

The Larousse Encyclopedia of Archaeology is a comprehensive reference on the history and methods of archaeology. It covers key civilizations like Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, China, India, and the Americas, exploring their cultures, art, and contributions to human history.

The book outlines the techniques archaeologists use, such as excavation and carbon dating, and discusses the evolution of human societies from prehistory to ancient civilizations. It also highlights the challenges modern archaeology faces, such as looting and site destruction.

Overall, it offers a thorough overview of archaeological discoveries, methods, and future directions, making it an essential resource for both scholars and general readers interested in the past.