"From the Annenberg/CPB Collection"--Cover.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Contents: What is archaeology?: Introduction to anthropology and archaeology -- In Search of ourselves: The Development of anthropology and archaeology -- Doing archaeology: Learning about the past: The Case of the Maya Copan -- Archaeological methods -- Conceptual framework -- Human Habitats -- Reconstructing the past: Family and household, community and society -- Artisans and traders -- Signs and symbols -- Power, prestige and wealth -- Realms: Approaches to reconstructing political structure -- The spirit world: Religion and ideology -- The Archaeology of ancient civilizations: The Rise of civilization in the old world -- The Rise of civilization in the new world -- Explaining the past: The fall of civilizations: Another lessons from copan -- Explanation and archaeology -- Appendix: Critical thinking skills.