Oxford Handbook of the Archaeology of Childhood

About “Oxford Handbook of the Archaeology of Childhood”

The archaeology of childhood is a vital but often overlooked area of study. Children are part of every human society, yet their presence in the archaeological record is frequently invisible. Despite the marginal nature of evidence related to children, their traces can be found in unexpected places. The book emphasizes that childhood is a cultural construct, shaped differently by each society. Understanding how past societies defined childhood and the roles of children is essential for a full picture of their lives. The study of children's activities and experiences offers new insights into past human behavior and social structures. This field presents both challenges and opportunities for discovery, making it one of the most dynamic areas of archaeological research. The book was published in 2018.