World Archaeology was established specifically to deal with archaeology on a world-wide multiperiod basis. Since it was founded in 1969 it remains a leader in its field. The five issues of the volume are each dedicated to a particular theme of current interest. Typically the fifth issue, Debates in World Archaeology , is a forum for debate, discussion and comment. All papers adopt a broad comparative approach, looking at important issues on a global scale. The members of the editorial board and the advisory board represent a wide range of interests and expertise and this ensures that the papers published in World Archaeology cover a wide variety of subject areas.