1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Archaeology

Thomas C. Patterson

By K. Kris Hirst, About.com

Definition: American archaeologist Thomas Patterson's career has spanned some forty years and is probably best known for his work with the Inca and other complex societies, and the use of Marxist theory in archaeology. Despite, or more likely because of the length of his career, Patterson's work with the processes of globalization and the use of current economic theories concerning the development of complex societies continues as important contributions to the field.

Patterson, Thomas C. 1984 Social archaeology in Latin America: an appreciation. American Antiquity 59(3):531-537.
1986 The last sixty years: toward a social history of Americanist Archaeology in the United States. American Anthropologist 887-26.
1989 History and the post-processual archaeologies. Man 24:555-566.

This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.

Explore Archaeology

About.com Special Features

A Smarter Future

Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Archaeology
  4. Archaeologists
  5. Biographies
  6. Archaeologists O-Q
  7. Thomas C. Patterson>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.