THE FIELD NOTEBOOK

Archaeological concepts, explained in plain English.

Practical notes for understanding ancient American societies. No miracle theories, no treasure maps — just clearer thinking about the evidence.

Maya limestone stela with glyph blocks
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How to read a Maya glyph block

Before you admire the artistry, identify the sign order, the cartouche structure, and the calendrical anchors. A five-minute scan can save five hours of confusion.

  1. Locate the main sign and its affixes.
  2. Identify the Calendar Round or Long Count date.
  3. Look for the emblem glyph to confirm polity.
01

FIELD NOTE · 8 min READ

Start with the context, not the artifact

Why stratigraphy, associated finds, and soil chemistry each demand a different kind of attention.

02

FIELD NOTE · 6 min READ

How radiocarbon dating really works

A friendly explanation of calibration curves, reservoir effects, and why a raw date can mislead.

03

FIELD NOTE · 9 min READ

Ceramic seriation without the mystery

Type-variety systems, frequency seriation, and the questions to ask before trusting a chronology.

04

FIELD NOTE · 7 min READ

Looting, fakes, and the grey market

How common provenance gaps work and how to recognise pressure without letting it shape your reading.

05

FIELD NOTE · 6 min READ

Read a site report calmly

A repeatable scan for excavation methods, publication delays, funding sources, and interpretive restraint.

06

FIELD NOTE · 10 min READ

Research well without an institution

Practical habits for enjoying archaeological literature without a university subscription.