The term archaeology derives from the two Greek words archaios (“ancient”) and logos (“knowledge”). In its modern sense, it has come to mean the study of the material remains of the past and is generally restricted to the study of artifacts dating up to the end of the Middle Ages. Archaeology began as a treasure hunt. In the 1920s, archaeology was all about digging. Digging is still a major part of archaeology. Today archaeologists study every clue to the past to piece together the history of civilization. Even a garbage pit can help to reveal how people lived.

Archaeology is partially about objects but mostly about people. The excitement of archaeology lies in building up a picture of human life thousands of years ago, by making connections between objects found in the ground and the people who left them there long ago. Day by day archaeologists bring to light more of the past. By excavating the things ancient people made and used, they piece together a picture of life in ancient times. Since every fragment that is excavated adds to this picture, a piece of broken pottery can be just as important as gold. For example, finding a treasure in a 5.000-year-old tomb is exciting. Even more exciting is understanding why people put such a treasure there in the first place.

Both the beauty of the things that are found and the clues they give about the past are great pleasures for an archaeologist. This book introduces you to some of the most impressive and exciting archaeological discoveries that have been made since the 1800s when the study of archaeology began. From Aboriginal rock art to the 10.000-year-old Shigir Idol, from the Göbekli Tepe to the Nazca Lines, the world’s 100 greatest discoveries are in this book.