Marxism is a rich intellectual tradition that offers archaeologists a way around many of the seemingly irresolvable theoretical oppositions that beset us and as such deserves a place in the theoretical and substantive debates in archaeology. This introduction to Marxist theory as it applies to archaeology explores long-term historical change and cultural evolution, and advocates a dialectical and historical approach to the study of the past. The book was originally published by Academic Press in 1992 but this affordable paperback edition features an extensive new introduction by the author.