Archaeology History and Science

Using a combination of historical archaeological and scientific data is not an uncommon research practice. Rarely found however is a more overt critical consideration of how these sources of information relate to each other or explicit attempts at developing successful strategies for interdisciplinary work. The authors in this volume provide such critical perspectives examining materials from a wide range of cultures and time periods to demonstrate the added value of combining in their research seemingly incompatible or even contradictory sources. Case studies include explorations of the symbolism of flint knives in ancient Egypt the meaning of cuneiform glass texts medieval metallurgical traditions and urban archaeology at industrial sites. This volume is noteworthy as it offers novel contributions to specific topics as well as fundamental reflections on the problems and potentials of the interdisciplinary study of the human past.