The third edition of this best-selling introduction to what archaeologists do and how they do it has been entirely revised and updated in the light of new views, discoveries, and data. Developments in the technology and scope of archaeology are reflected in an increased emphasis on aspects ranging from GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and information on the Internet to gender archaeology and the latest thinking on post-processualism and cognitive archaeology. The profound impact of advances in genetics and linguistics is assessed, and some sections of the book -- the dating of rock art, for example -- have been totally rewritten in the light of recent events.