Archaeology Quote: John C. McEnroe Discussing the Past

I've been doing a lot of reading of the literature recently, and I've run across a few new quotes about archaeology to add to our collection. So, being that kind of girl, I'll share them with you over the next few Tuesdays.

Today's quote is from Minoan archaeologist John McEnroe:

Archaeology is not simply the finite body of artefactual evidence uncovered in excavations. Rather, archaeology is what archaeologists say about that evidence. It is the ongoing process of discussing the past which is, in itself, an ongoing process. Only recently have we begun to realise the complexity of that discourse. ... [T]he discipline of archaeology is a site of disputation--a dynamic, fluid, multidimensional engagement of voices bearing upon both past and present. John C. McEnroe 2002

You can find the source, or browse for more quotations, by clicking on the appropriate link below.

• John C. McEnroe on Discussing the Past, including the source
• More Quotes from Archaeologists
• More Definitions of Archaeology
• Minoan Culture Definition and Timeline