Underpinning the discipline. One hundred years (or more) of classification in archaeology

Clive Orton

«Archeologia e Calcolatori» 1996, 7, 561-577

Abstract

Classification has been an important archaeological activity for at least a century. It should not be seen as an end in its own right, but as a tool that enables archaeologist to compare and communicate. It can also be seen as mathematical activity, the study of relationships between entities in a multi-dimensional space. Comparison of these approaches leads to a set of criteria for a “good” classification. A wide and growing range of techniques is available, but more fundamental issues such as the choice of variables and the level of analysis must also be considered. The history of classification in archaeology shows a period of optimism followed by one of disappointment; the recent development of techniques more suited to archaeological needs may enable a middle view to be taken. Finally, the role of classification is assessed in the light of current trends in archaeological theory.

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