Historical Archaeology is the archaeology of the Modern World: its
emergence between AD 1400-1600 [ACE], it global spread
and impact (1600-1800), and its transformation in the Industrial Revolution
(1800-present). Of course such research is
based on the combination of archaeological and archival (and perhaps other)
sources but there are also many other "historical
archaeologies."  Some of these studies of the full span of history are
closely related to our discipline (e.g. Medieval Archaeology)
while others are far distant (e.g. Egyptology and Sumerology).

So, Jesus Chirst, the Buddha, Zoroaster and the Prophet Mohammed are out
(at least if we are talking about their
life times), while Mary Baker Eddy, the Prophet Joseph Smith, Brother Jim
Jones and Aimee Semple McPherson
are in.

And to get back to the subject, which of the above period-legitimate
figures has had historical archaeology done on
her/him? Perhaps more than one (?).
                                                 Bob Schuyler





At 09:39 AM 9/16/2003 -0700, you wrote:
>The place of historical archaeology, as a field of research within the
>broader discipline of anthropological archaeology, was rather thoroughly
>debated more than two decades ago. Summary documents regarding the topic
>are found in Bob Schuyler's "Historical Archaeology: A Guide to Substantive
>and Theoretical contributions," (Baywood Press, 1978). This is hardly an
>obscure publication or debate. The definition of the field that is
>presented here is consistent with that concept. In particular, I would
>suggest Bernard Fontana's "On the Meaning of Historic Sites Archaeology,"
>(chapter 7 in Schuyler, originally published in "American Antiquity"
>31(1);61-65 [1965]) as providing a cogent summary of the direction that
>historical archaeology has taken. The scholars who identify themselves as
>historical archaeologists have a reasonably well-defined field of endeavor,
>as is demonstrated in both the literature of "historical archaeology," and
>at the annual meetings of the Society for Historical Archaeology.
>
>If you examine Schuyler's anthology then you will see that the idea that
>"historical archeology" simply represents the archaeology of literate
>peoples, is simply erroneous. The archaeology of numerous literate New
>World peoples (such as the Mayans and Aztecs), and Old World peoples (such
>as the Ancient Chinese, Greek, Romans, and Hebrews) are not considered to
>be historical archaeology. For better, or worse, the conceptual basis of
>this field has crystallized, and although it may seem distressing to some,
>it seems extraordinarily unlikely to undergo a change in definition in
>order to meet the expectations of popular audiences.
>
>Dr. Jack Williams
>Silent Co-listowner of HISTARCH

Robert L. Schuyler
University of Pennsylvania Museum
33rd & Spruce Streets
Philadelphia, PA l9l04-6324

Tel: (215) 898-6965
Fax: (215) 898-0657
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