Amara Thornton, "Social Networks in the History of Archaeology. Placing Archaeology in its Context", in: Gisela Eberhardt and Fabian Link (Eds.), Historiographical Approaches to Past Archaeological Research, Berlin: Edition Topoi, 2015, 69–94

Abstract

This paper explores the value of social networks in the history of archaeology, combining them with biography and prosopography to produce a practical method for examining the development of the discipline, and an alternative to the traditional history of archaeology narrative. It presents broad categories for the interpretation and visualization of social networks, illuminated by case studies focusing on linked political and archaeological networks in early British Mandate Palestine and Transjordan. Social networks are a tool for understanding the historical context of archaeological work, and can be utilized to explore the role of men and women, politicians, soldiers, artists, architects, funders and others, in the excavation, interpretation, presentation and reception of archaeology.

Published In

Gisela Eberhardt and Fabian Link (Eds.), Historiographical Approaches to Past Archaeological Research, Berlin: Edition Topoi, 2015