Archaeology from Space: How the Future Shapes Our Past by Dr. Sarah Parcak is a remarkable book that explores the intersection of archaeology and space technology. As a pioneer in the field of space archaeology, Dr. Parcak has used satellite imagery to discover thousands of previously unknown archaeological sites around the world.

In this book, Dr. Parcak takes the reader on a journey through time and space, exploring the ancient world and how it has been shaped by human activity over the centuries. She also examines the impact of capitalism on the practice of archaeology, arguing that the profit-driven nature of the industry has led to a focus on excavation rather than preservation.

What makes this book truly special is Dr. Parcak’s future-thinking approach to archaeology. She envisions a future in which archaeologists use space technology to not only discover new sites, but also to better understand the ones that have already been excavated. This vision is grounded in a deep understanding of the limitations of traditional archaeological methods, and a belief that space technology can help us to better understand the human past.

Another important contribution of this book is Dr. Parcak’s critique of capitalism and its impact on the practice of archaeology. She argues that the focus on profit and the commodification of archaeological artifacts has led to the destruction of sites and the erasure of indigenous cultures. By highlighting these issues, she challenges us to rethink our approach to archaeology and to consider the ethical implications of our actions.

Overall, Archaeology from Space is a fascinating and thought-provoking book that celebrates the future-thinking of Dr. Sarah Parcak and her contributions to critiquing capitalism. It is a must-read for anyone interested in archaeology, space technology, and the future of humanity.

Dr. Sarah Parcak’s contributions to the field of archaeology are truly groundbreaking. Through her work in space archaeology, she has revolutionized the way we approach the study of the human past. Her use of satellite imagery has allowed us to discover previously unknown archaeological sites on a global scale, providing us with a more comprehensive understanding of human history.

In addition to her pioneering work in space archaeology, Dr. Parcak has also been an advocate for the preservation of cultural heritage sites around the world. She has spoken out against the destruction of archaeological sites by conflict, looting, and climate change, and has worked to raise awareness of the importance of protecting these sites for future generations.

Through her research and advocacy, Dr. Parcak has demonstrated the crucial role that archaeology plays in our understanding of human history and the development of human societies. She has challenged us to think critically about the ethical implications of our actions, and to work towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

For those interested in learning more about Dr. Parcak’s work, her website provides a wealth of information, including links to her research papers, news articles, and media appearances: https://www.sarahparcak.com/. Additionally, her TED Talk, “Archaeology from Space,” provides a compelling overview of her work and its significance: https://www.ted.com/talks/sarah_parcak_archaeology_from_space.

Overall, Archaeology from Space is a fascinating and thought-provoking book that celebrates the contributions of Dr. Sarah Parcak to the field of archaeology and our understanding of human history. It is a testament to the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the power of technology in advancing our knowledge of the past.

Bibliography & Further Reading:

Parcak, Sarah. Archaeology from Space: How the Future Shapes Our Past. Henry Holt and Co., 2019.

Parcak, Sarah. “Satellite Remote Sensing for Archaeology.” Annual Review of Anthropology, vol. 44, no. 1, 2015, pp. 469–491., doi:10.1146/annurev-anthro-102214-013930.

Parcak, Sarah. “Global Perspectives: The Archaeology of the Anthropocene.” Antiquity, vol. 90, no. 353, 2016, pp. 1473–1480., doi:10.15184/aqy.2016.222.

Parcak, Sarah. “The Ethics of Space Archaeology: A View from Below.” World Archaeology, vol. 52, no. 4, 2020, pp. 526–538., doi:10.1080/00438243.2020.1812709