Steadman fills an empty niche in the offerings on how archaeology interprets past religions with this useful textbook.

The book includes case studies from around the world, from the study of Upper Paleolithic religions and of shamans in foraging societies to formal religious structures in advanced complex societies of Mesopotamia, Egypt, India and the Andes.

Steadman also includes key contemporary religions—Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism, among others—to provide an historical and comparative context.

This is an ideal text for a archaeology of religion courses and classes that include a significant component on “past religions,” as well as an excellent guide for general readers.