Three Stones Make a Wall - by Eric H Cline

About the Book

"In 1922, Howard Carter peered into Tutankhamun's tomb for the first time, the only light coming from the candle in his outstretched hand. Urged to tell what he was seeing through the small opening he had cut in the door to the tomb, the Egyptologist famously replied, 'I see wonderful things.' Carter's fabulous discovery is just one of the many spellbinding stories told in Three Stones Make a Wall. Written by Eric Cline, an archaeologist with more than thirty seasons of excavation experience, Three Stones Make a Wall traces the history of archaeology from an amateur pursuit to the cutting-edge science it is today by taking the reader on a tour of major archaeological sites and discoveries, from Pompeii to Petra, Troy to the Terracotta Warriors, and Mycenae to Megiddo and Masada. Cline brings to life the personalities behind these digs, including Heinrich Schliemann, the former businessman who excavated Troy, and Mary Leakey, whose discoveries advanced our understanding of human origins. The discovery of the peoples and civilizations of the past is presented in vivid detail, from the Hittites and Minoans to the Inca, Aztec, and Moche. Along the way, the book addresses the questions archaeologists are asked most often: How do you know where to dig? How are excavations actually done? How do you know how old something is? Who gets to keep what is found? Taking readers from the pioneering digs of the eighteenth century to the exciting new discoveries being made today, Three Stones Make a Wall is a lively and essential introduction to the story of archaeology"--]cProvided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

From the bestselling author of 1177 B.C., a comprehensive history of archaeology--from its amateur beginnings to the cutting-edge science it is today

In 1922, Howard Carter peered into Tutankhamun's tomb for the first time, the only light coming from the candle in his outstretched hand. Urged to tell what he was seeing through the small opening he had cut in the door to the tomb, the Egyptologist famously replied, "I see wonderful things." Carter's fabulous discovery is just one of the many spellbinding stories told in Three Stones Make a Wall. Written by Eric Cline, an archaeologist with more than thirty seasons of excavation experience, this book traces the history of archaeology from an amateur pursuit to the cutting-edge science it is today by taking the reader on a tour of major archaeological sites and discoveries. Along the way, it addresses the questions archaeologists are asked most often: How do you know where to dig? How are excavations actually done? How do you know how old something is? Who gets to keep what is found? Taking readers from the pioneering digs of the eighteenth century to today's exciting new discoveries, Three Stones Make a Wall is a lively and essential introduction to the story of archaeology.

From the Back Cover

"This book takes your hand and leads you on a magical archaeology mystery tour across the globe. You'll meet famous archaeologists, explore legendary sites, and see the latest discoveries using new technologies. Archaeology is full of 'wonderful things, ' and Three Stones Make a Wall, written by one of its greatest storytellers, is a must-have."--Sarah Parcak, University of Alabama at Birmingham, winner of the 2016 TED Prize

"Eric Cline takes the reader on an amazing journey through the history of archaeology, essentially allowing us to walk in the boots of archaeologists at the moment of the greatest discoveries of all time. This book is at once a wonderful introduction for those curious to know more about archaeology and a relevant read for lifelong excavators who uphold our human responsibility to uncover, preserve, and protect our past."--Kara Cooney, author of The Woman Who Would Be King: Hatshepsut's Rise to Power in Ancient Egypt

"Three Stones Make a Wall is an experienced archaeologist's fast-paced and fascinating account of the field's 'greatest hits, ' one that will engage all readers no matter what their background."--Jodi Magness, author of The Archaeology of the Holy Land

"In this up-to-date and eminently readable introduction to the field, Eric Cline, one of the world's foremost archaeologists, gives people a chance to peek behind the curtain of the mysterious and exciting world of archaeology. Readers will learn about famous sites and discoveries around the world as well as how to find, dig, and date ancient artifacts without ever leaving the house."--Candida Moss, author of The Myth of Persecution: How Early Christians Invented a Story of Martyrdom

"I loved this book. Three Stones Make a Wall is a great read filled with many interesting stories. A terrific piece of work."--Kenneth L. Feder, author of The Past in Perspective: An Introduction to Human Prehistory

"Cline provides an excellent history of both civilizations and the archaeological process--his knowledge of the subject is second to none."--Robert R. Cargill, author of The Cities That Built the Bible

"An accurate and engaging picture of archaeology past and present. This book fills a real need within the discipline, as it properly presents archaeology to the public in a way that has not been done before."--Rachel Hallote, author of Bible, Map, and Spade: The American Palestine Exploration Society, Frederick Jones Bliss, and the Forgotten Story of Early American Biblical Archeology

Review Quotes

"One of CHOICE's Outstanding Academic Titles for 2017"

"Winner of the 2018 Nancy Lapp Popular Book Award, American Schools of Oriental Research"

About the Author

Eric H. Cline is professor of classics and anthropology and director of the Capitol Archaeological Institute at George Washington University. His many books include 1177 B.C.: The Year Civilization Collapsed (Princeton).