Webster’s dictionary defines Archaeology as “the scientific study of material remains…of past human life and activities.” The goals of archaeology have varied over the centuries and today there’s much debate over what purpose it should serve.

Organizations such as the World Archaeological Congress are dedicated to furthering the field of archaeology, while at the same time protecting cultural heritage and cooperating with local and indigenous communities.

The last quarter century has seen archaeology evolve into a multidisciplinary field encompassing anthropology, sociology and even political science. Aside from education, today archaeology is utilized for tourism and entertainment purposes as well.

Starting today, in our Geopolitics of Archaeology series, we’ll explore the political tide pool swirling around the fields of archaeology, anthropology and history.

Later in the week you’ll hear about the forgotten roots of “Western Civilization” — look at archaeology's involvement with culture and heritage — and examine how some of the world's most prestigious museums and universities end up with stolen antiquities.

Today we begin with two scholars who challenge the conventional wisdom on the purpose of modern archaeology.

Philip Duke is Professor of Anthropology at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. He’s author of the book The Tourists Gaze, The Cretans Glance: Archaeology and Tourism on a Greek Island.

Yannis Hamilakis is Senior Lecturer in Archaeology at the University of Southampton in the UK.  He’s Author of the book The Nation and its Ruins: Antiquity, Archaeology, and National Imagination in Greece.

Together Phil and Yannis Co-authored the edited volume Archaeology and Capitalism: From Ethics to Politics published by Left Coast Press.

Philip Duke explains when modern archaeology got started….