Geoarchaeology and the Environment
Ancient Answers for Modern Problems
Edited by
Russell B. Adams [+–]
University of Waterloo
Russell Adams is an anthropological archaeologist with primary research interests in the emergence of complex societies and early states and the interface between the development of social complexity and the adoption and development of industrial processes and technology during prehistory. His current research focuses upon early metal producing communities in southern Jordan and understanding how the growth and spread of metal production impacted upon social organization, regional interaction and the environment. He has directed archaeological projects in Jordan since 1989, and specializes in archaeological method and theory, ancient technology and the archaeometric study ceramics and metals. He received his BA and MA (Near Eastern Archaeology) from Wilfrid Laurier University, and his PhD in Archaeology and Prehistory from Sheffield University. He has been a SSHRC post-doctoral fellow at McMaster University and has taught at universities in the UK, Canada and the United States.
Hannah Friedmann [+–]
Texas Tech University
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Hannah Friedman is an Assistant Professor of Classics at Texas Tech University.
Keith Haylock [+–]
Aberystwyth University
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Keith worked in the building industry for many years and ran his own business before deciding to take up an academic career.
John Grattan [+–]
Aberystwyth University
John Grattan is Professor and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Student Experience and International at Aberystwyth University. He specializes in Environmental and Archaeological Science, is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and an expert member of the International Volcanic Health Hazard Network.
Serious threats from climate change, aridification, environmental degradation, sea level rise, overpopulation, migration, environmental pollution, disease, survival in marginal environments and extreme natural events demand our attention constantly and answers to these problems are not easily apparent. However, much geoarchaeological research shows that throughout history and prehistory humanity has faced many of the challenges that now seem insuperable and, though sometimes cultures have failed, more often they have responded robustly to the challenges that faced them and, in some case, they have thrived.
The concept that ‘the key to the future lies in the past’ is at the core of Professor David Gilbertson’s research and teaching. He is one of the pioneers of modern, scientifically informed geoarchaeology whose research into human interaction with the environment has stretched from remote Hebridean islands, to the deserts of Africa and the rainforests of Borneo. Never content to simply report the past, he has always contextualized his work by its relevance to the future and showed that answers to ancient questions can help solve modern problems.
In a 30 year career, Professor Gilbertson has taught, inspired, collaborated with and motivated many who have gone on to great careers themselves. This book will showcase the best geoarchaeological research worldwide, will show how our ancestors transformed the world around them and laid the foundations for how we live today and the challenges we face.
