Archaeology as Human Ecology

Archaeology as Human Ecology is a new introduction to concepts and methods in archaeology. It deals not with artifacts but with sites settlements and subsistence. Karl W. Butzer''s goal is to interpret the ecosystem of which an archaeologicial site or site network was part. Components of this study include geo-archaeology archaeobotany zoo-archaeology and archaeometry. These methods are then used in examining interactions between human communities and their biophysical environment: the impact of settlement on site formation and the effects of subsistence activities on plants animals soils and overall landscape modification. Finally the methods and theoretical approach are applied to examine the processes of cultural change and continuity. The approach of Archaeology as Human Ecology goes far beyond traditional environmental archaeology which is concerned with simple reconstruction. It provides a clear systemic approach that immediately allows an assessment of interactions. For the first time it attempts to develop a comprehensive spatial archaeology - one that is far more than derivative spatial analysis.