Interactive Ancient History

The Archaeology Handbook

The definitive guide for amateur archaeologists...

From the ruins of Guatemala to the Etruscan sites in central Italy, visit a dig anywhere in the world and you will be sure to find volunteers - amateur archaeologists - blithely performing the often backbreaking work involved in doing arcaheology. Dedicated hardworking women and men of all ages, drawn by the allure of the past, are flocking in ever greater numbers to archaeological hotspots around the globe to contribute their valuable time to the task of uncovering the secrets of lost civilisations.
Whether you are and old-hand or you've never participated in a professional dig but think you would like to , this is the book that belongs on you shelf or your backpack.

•  Comprehensive: archaeological techniques, excavation methods, site location, tools, conducting your own dig, archaeology and law.
• An extensive resource section lists archaeological field schools, archaeological sites, archaeological organisations, museums and bibliography.
• An ideal introduction for novices who want to break into the field and an excellent handbook for experienced amateurs who want to dig in deeper.
• Numerous line drawings, photos and maps vividly illustrate sites, techniques and tools. 

Used, Softcover as new, some underlinings. 1991. 25090 pages B&W.

$9.95AUD plus P&H 

An Introduction to Archaeology

Contents:

What is Archaeology?
Ancient Landscapes
Digging it up and writing it down.
Yesterdays Rubbish
Counting the years.
Putting Together the pieces.
What next?

An Early hardcover book but a great introduction to Archaeology not unlike the genre of the Television show "Time Team".  If you like "Time Team" you will love this book.

Hardcover, colour illustrations and photos, plans and drawings. Used 128 pages. 1989.

$9.95AUD plus P&H

 The World's Last Mysteries

Topics:
Voyage to Atlantis
The search for Eldorado
THe land of the Queen of Sheba
Who really discovered the New World
Strange stones from western Europe
Soul statues of Corsica
The secrets of Stonehenge
The giants of Easter Island
Teohuacan, city of the gods
The lost empire of the Indus Valley
The silent stones of Tiahuanaco
The world's first cities
The last refuge of the Incas
The men who built the toer of Babel
Pyramids in the Americas
Inside the Pyramids of the Pharaohs
When the Sahara was green
The Scythians
Zimbabwe, Africa's lost civilisation
Splendor in the jungle of Angkor
The Olmecs, a race of precursors
The magnificent realm of the Mayas
Enigmatic messages of the Nazcars
Did a black hole hit Siberia.

Hardcover, Used 320 pages. Colour and B&W photos. 1978

$6.95AUD plus P&H

 Searching for Ancient Egypt

Art, Architecture and Artifacts from the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.

Topics:

Expeditions to Egypt and Nubia
Maps
Chronology of Ancient Egypt
Historical Introduction
Divine Art
Royal Art
Private Art
Architecture
Personal and Domestic Artifacts
Funerary Arts
Nubian Art

Softcover, New, 342 pages. Numerous Colour plates. As New.1997.

Was $69.95 Now $14.95AUD plus P&H.

Ancient Petra - the extraordinary capital of the Nabatean Kingdom universally famous for its rock architecture and spectacular natural settings - lives again in all its splendor in page after page of well informed and exhaustive text, accompanied by hundreds of splendid photographs, dozens of plans of the major monuments and new colour reconstruction drawings.144 pgs hardcover.

$36.95AUD plus P&H

Life in the BIBLICAL WORLD

A fascinating journey into history. Understand the culture and traditions. 160 Pages many colour photos and illustrations, timelines and charts. Includes sections on: Life in town and country, Family life in Bible times, Work and play in the Biblical world,  and Mind, Body and Spirit. $12.95AUD plus P&H SPECIAL

Order now.

Excerpt...

The Chariot: All-purpose Assault Weapon

The nimble horse chariot was the jeep, the armoured car and fighter aircraft of the Old Testament warfare. It revolutionised military strategy from its introduction in the second millennium BC when it spurred history's first arms race. Costly to purchase and maintain, it put a financial strain on warlike rulers who had to field hundreds of chariots requiring grooms and training and maintenance personnel. The horses for chariots also amassed formidable fodder bills. Chariors carried a crew of two, a driver and an archer. The Hittites added punch with a three man combination of driver and spear thrower along with a shield bearer to fend off enemy missiles.
Designs were constantly improved in the quest of the ideal balance of speed, strength and manoeuverability. The vehicle was generally propelled by two horses yoked on either side of a central shaft. There was sometimes a leashed reserve animal cantering alongside. The two wheels were large - up to five feet 91.5m) in diameter. Springing was achieved by making the floor of leather thongs or laced ropes and setting the wheels as far back as possible to reduce vibration and facilitate spin turns, but it was a bumpy ride nontheless.
Improved counter-tactics and the emergeny of heavy cavalry gradually reduced the chariots effectiveness. Attaching scythes to the wheels was tried but abandoned after a few experiments; nor did heavier protective armour for vehicle and horses prove of sufficient benefit to outweigh loss of speed. By the Old Testaments closing era, the chariot was largely retired to ceremonial duties. The massive Persian army Xerxes sent against the Greeks in 480BC featured only two contingents of charioteers, one Libyan and the other an Indian corps using onagers, or wild asses, instead of horses and impractical for any assault role.