Archaeological analysis at the regional scale investigates the past by studying how people distributed themselves and their activities across a landscape of hundreds or thousands of square kilometers. Archaeological field survey methods developed over half a century combine with powerful new quantitative tools for spatial analysis (including GIS) to unleash new potential for identifying and studying ancient local communities and regional polities. Varied approaches to estimating regional population sizes in both relative and absolute terms are synthesized and their advantages and disadvantages assessed. Tools for quantitative analysis of regional demographic data are presented. Field survey methods developed around the world are compiled from widely scattered sources and best practices for collecting archaeological data to sustain demographic analysis are delineated. Concepts for improved sampling design in regional survey work are derived from fundamental statistical principles. In conclusion, promising directions for future methodological development are identified.

"

Overall this is a strong book that makes an important contribution to regional survey methodology, despite ongoing skepticism in the community about population estimates. Drennan, Berrey, and Peterson are taking up the challenge and making important headway.

"

This compact, straightforward treatment of settlement demography is very welcome. Drennan et al.'s approach to settlement demography is appropriately careful; it's not overly optimistic, and it always keeps a critical eye on the data. The use of on-going examples throughout the book is excellent. The case examples draw on the authors' extensive experience in settlement demography. [...] Overall, this is an extremely useful volume that, I expect, will become a future staple for advanced undergraduate courses in archaeological methods, settlement archaeology, and ancient population studies.