Archaeology of Religion: Cultures and their Beliefs in Worldwide Context

Steadman fills an empty niche in the offerings on how archaeology interprets past religions with this useful textbook. The book includes case studies from around the world, from the study of Upper Paleolithic religions and of shamans in foraging societies to formal religious structures in advanced complex societies of Mesopotamia, Egypt, India and the Andes. Steadman also includes key contemporary religions – Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism, among others – to provide a historical and comparative context. This is an ideal text for archaeology of religion courses and classes that include a significant component on past religions, as well as an excellent guide for general readers.

Sharon R. Steadman is the Associate Professor of Anthropology, Coordinator for the International Studies Program, and Director of the Rozanne M. Brooks Museum, all at State University of New York Cortland. In addition to her work at the university, Steadman is the editorial assistant of Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research and is also the assistant director of the Alishar Regional Project.