Skip to Main Content

Early Farmers: The View from Archaeology and Science

Online ISBN:
9780191771965
Print ISBN:
9780197265758
Publisher:
British Academy
Book

Early Farmers: The View from Archaeology and Science

Alasdair Whittle (ed.),
Alasdair Whittle
(ed.)

Distinguished Research Professor

Distinguished Research Professor, Cardiff University
Find on
Penny Bickle (ed.)
Penny Bickle
(ed.)

Research Associate

Research Associate, University of Bristol
Find on
Published:
13 November 2014
Online ISBN:
9780191771965
Print ISBN:
9780197265758
Publisher:
British Academy

Abstract

Taking the European Neolithic as its focal point, this wide-ranging set of chapters illustrates how the different disciplinary paths within scientific and interpretative archaeology can be woven together to forward our understanding of early farmers, including their origins, varied subsistence practices and social networks. Contributions to the volume present a broad range of innovative approaches, including isotopic studies of mobility and diet, lipid analysis of pottery, recent advances in osteological studies and ancient DNA analysis. These are combined with chapters considering the wider theoretical implications of these analytical advances and new directions of research. The case studies discussed range across the European continent, covering from the Near East to the UK. Together this research has forced the reconsideration of long-held assumptions about the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition, the social organisation of the earliest farmers and individual biographies of past persons. In surveying the impact of recent developments in scientific archaeology on the research questions being asked of the Neolithic, an agenda is set for future collaborative research.

Contents
Close
This Feature Is Available To Subscribers Only

Sign In or Create an Account

Close

This PDF is available to Subscribers Only

View Article Abstract & Purchase Options

For full access to this pdf, sign in to an existing account, or purchase an annual subscription.

Close