Indiana Jones: Myth, Reality And 21st Century Archaeology

What does it take to become an archaeologist? What is it that archaeologists do? And why is it important? These questions are posed not only by the greater public, but also by archaeological practitioners and students. Our host tracks how the archaeological profession has changed over time and assesses prospects for its future development. Archaeology has undergone over the past quarter of a century substantial changes of theories of cultural change and practical methods of archaeological discovery. The field has become increasingly more scientific and technical. It has also transitioned from a largely academic pursuit to a more practical vocation that extends into the regulatory environment and the world of business. Finally, we stress the need to communicate the message of archaeology, its significance and relevance, to the general public. The need for public support is factoring into the ability of archaeology to sustain itself as a profession in the 21st Century.