* New discoveries and research across the globe, such as archaeological evidence of social hierarchies at the ancient city of Liangzhu, China, and recent evidence of Neanderthal art in France and Spain.

* A more inclusive picture of archaeology, raising the profile of women in the discipline's history, and describing the development of archaeology in China and Japan.

* In Chapter Five, updated treatment of social organization, with critical evaluations of Service's model, and new coverage of heterarchies.

* New box features include: forensic archaeology; change in the Amazon; ancient microbes; paleoproteomics; Must Farm; evidence of feasting at Stonehenge; Neanderthal art; and ceramic styles and learning.

* New book design, including, for each chapter, distinct introductions that offer a general overview of each topic covered.