History of archeology

Hi, im interested in the history of archeology because im thinking about writing a book that involves it. here's are some of the questions that are on my mind:
When did archeology begin?
Where there archaeologist in medieval days? And in the 18th century?
And did they do the same kind of work? Did they also excavate old buildings?
Any help will be very appreciated!

Maarten from Holland. :)

[Beer Beast]

Read Bruce Trigger's, "A History of Archaeological Thought", it has all the information you'll need to make a good start.

[deepdigger]

Or Matthew Johnson's Archaeological theory, Not as good as trigger, but not as heavy duty either!!

deep

[Curator Kid]

In terms of UK Archaeological history, someone might be about to beat you to it - unless you fancy applying to this advert which has just appeared on the HER Forum...

APPLICATION FOR A 3-YEAR GRANT AWARD FOR AN MPhil-PhD FOR A RESEARCH
TOPIC ON THE HISTORY OF BRITISH ARCHAEOLOGY


To be sent, together with 2 references in sealed envelopes, to
Postgraduate Admissions secretary
Department of Archaeology
University of Durham
South Road
Durham DH1 3LE


MPhil-PhD GRANT FOR HISTORY OF ARCHAEOLOGY
(€18,000 a year for three years starting in October 2005, with an
increment of 2% each year. Tuition fees are not covered).

Thanks to the Archives of European Archaeology (AREA) Culture 2000
project, the Department of Archaeology of the University of Durham is
able to offer a grant for a full-time PhD student for 3 years to
undertake research on the history of British archaeology. This research
studentship will commence as an MPhil and will be up-gradable to a PhD
subject to satisfactory progress by the student. The topic should be
related to one of the four following areas: (1) the study of
‘Antiquarian traditions’ in the centuries prior to the establishment of
scientific archaeology; (2) the study of ‘Archaeology abroad’ as a body
of knowledge, practices and practitioners that circulate across the
continent and beyond; (3) a focus on ‘Archaeology under dictatorship’,
dealing with the instrumentalisation of archaeology in extreme
historical circumstances; and (4) the assessment of the ‘Memory of
sites’ as foci of identity and national importance. Research will
include search in archives relevant to the topic being undertaken.

The successful candidate will also be required to play an important role
in the organisation of the following three activities: a meeting of the
AREA project in Durham; a travelling exhibition to be organised in
conjunction with other partners in the AREA project; and diffusion and
dissemination activities such as the production of information leaflets,
the catalogue, and the project online information.

Candidates should fill in the attached application form and send it,
together with 2 references. References should comment on the potential
of the applicant (with an assessment of the quality of your previous
work and performance, and your preparedness for doctoral study).
References should be submitted in sealed envelopes, signed by the
referee across the seal. The application form and the 2 references
should be sent to Postgraduate Admissions, Department of Archaeology,
South Road, Durham DH1 3LE. Closing date: 5 August 2005. Interviews will
be held on 12 August 2005.

Potential candidates seeking further information should contact Dr
Díaz-Andreu (m.diaz-andreu@dur.ac.uk). Further information about the
Department can be obtained from www.dur.ac.uk/Archaeology.

Posted by:
Dr M Gondek
Dept of Archaeology
University of Durham
South Road
Durham DH 1 3LE
UK

[deepdigger]

Ah, but is this to be a work of fiction? Or a serious text type book??

deep

[Tim]

Read anything by Glyn Daniel, He was the "official historian" of archaeology for years.

Little Tim

[eggbasket]

Or just listen to "The Museum of Everything" and their history of everything:

The prehistoric period was when there was more future than past;
The medieval period was the only period in history when there was as much future as there was past;
The modern period is when there is more past than future.

Cheers,
Eggbasket

Eggy by name, eggy by nature