Archaeology History>> Region of Study >> Near Eastern Archaeology

Near Eastern Archaeology or Middle Eastern archaeology is a district branch of the wider, universal discipline of Archaeology. It refers generally to the excavation and study of artefacts and fabric culture of the Near East in the ancient and pre-modern periods (up to approximately AD 1500). Near Eastern Archaeology is a branch of archaeology. It reflecting the origins and growth of the field in Western academic traditions. Archaeological discoveries continually develop our understanding of the community, history, culture and literature of the Middle East.

Near Eastern Archaeology is a wide generalised application, and is divided into further regional sub-branches, the archaeology of modern states in the region or along broad thematic lines. Regions can be loosely defined, but are often based on recognizable entities that evidence cultural cohesion and coincide with topographical zones. Scholars may differ on the way the region is divided. Regional divisions also may change from period to period.