Archaeology Hotspot Italy: Unearthing the Past for Armchair Archaeologists

(Hardback)

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A full-color guide to Italy's archeology and treasures.

Archaeology Hotspot Italy presents a comprehensive overview of the Italian archaeology. The main archaeological epochs from Paleolithic to the Middle Ages and sites and the discoveries made in the last twenty years, as well as past and present great archaeologists are thoroughly explored. Archaeology Hotspot Italy gives also insights into the way in which archaeology is practiced today, dealing with controversies over interpretation of the past connected to different theoretical approaches and present-day social and political contingencies. One of the aims of Archaeology Hotspot Italy is to give to the reader the idea that archaeology is by no means a static discipline, and that our knowledge of the past is continuously challenged by new discoveries and new approaches as well as by national and international heritage politics. It can be read either while staying comfortably at home or while traveling through Italy. Indeed, it was conceived as a handbook on Italian archaeology for armchair archaeologists as well as an archaeological guide for those visiting Italy. It provides key information on unconventional and not well-known archeological sites, which are outside of the mass tourism circuits, as well as insights on must-see sites and monuments in Italy, such as Pompeii or the Ancient city of Rome. The reader will find insights into the actual work of Italian archaeologists in current excavations, and on the challenges that they have to face. This perspective is quite unique. By combining information on archaeological sites with insights into archaeological practice, this book enables the reader to fully understand the archaeological profession in Italy. This beautiful full-color book features 44 photographs and 3 maps.

Reviews

This bookwritten by Italian archaeological insidersgives readers a valuable description of existing sites, and up-to-date information about the latest archaeological projects, including the sites and materials revealed by the metro excavations in Rome and Naples. Readers should also not miss an entertaining and informative chapter on the history of Italian archaeology and another about recent controversies. -- Gary D. Farney, Associate Professor of History, Rutgers University-Newark
Gori and Pintucci tell the fascinating story of Italian archaeology from the footprints of early hominids walking across a prehistoric volcanic eruption to the latest discoveries uncovered by metro construction in Rome and Naples. More than just a great sites tour, they tackle complex issues and controversies, such as archaeology during fascism, looting and international trafficking of artifacts, and the challenges of mass tourism. This is the perfect companion for the student, traveler, or enthusiast who wants to know the inside story of Italys rich archaeological heritage. -- Matthew Notarian, PhD, Visiting Assistant Professor of Classics, Hiram College

Author Bio

Maja Gori (Ph.D., Heidelberg/Sorbonne), an Italian, is an adjunct faculty member at the American University of Rome. She has been a free-lance archaeological guide in Rome since 2009. Her co-authored Building a New Land from Ancient Shards: Archaeology and National Identity in the Balkans will be published this year by Edwin Mellen Press.