Unearthing the Past takes the reader to the major archaeological sites of different places, times, and civilizations in history, revealing the remarkable stories behind the discoveries made, the fascinating expeditions, and the people who discovered them. Through these incredible excavations, Unearthing the Past pieces together the incredible development of humankind through the ages. Arranged thematically, the chapters reveal a vast array of incredible finds, with three to four spreads devoted to each site. Most of the treasures and sites featured were only discovered after years of committed searching and with the painstaking efforts of archaeologists, while some were merely chance finds. Unearthing the Past relates the unique dramas of each excavation, details the items found and their significance, where they are now exhibited, and the importance of that site to our understanding of history. For example, in the chapter called "In Cities and Dwelling Places," the story unfolds of Dolni Vestonice, in the Czech Republic. This is a prehistoric site where ceramics-and therefore mankind's discovery of fire-have been dated at over 27,000 years. A discovery such as this helps to unravel the complex characteristics of our human development.