Archaeology

Archaeology provides students with a broad and rigorous introduction to the analysis of the material culture of past societies.

Castle in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Field Experiences

Integrates artifactual evidence

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We would like to recognize that Stanford sits on the ancestral land of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe. This land is of great importance to the Ohlone people, and has been since time immemorial. Consistent with our values of community and diversity, we have a responsibility to acknowledge, honor and make visible the university’s relationship to Native peoples.
Read more on the history of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe.

Our Mission

The Stanford Archaeology Center is an interdisciplinary hub focused on innovative research and education in archaeology and heritage. We seek to understand the past and also the complex ways in which the archaeological past contributes to contemporary and future worlds. We work to redress the colonial foundations of archaeology through an enduring commitment to ethics and to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through dedicated lab facilities, workshops and lectures with distinguished scholars, opportunities for hands-on fieldwork and access to the Stanford University Archaeology Collection, the Center supports excellence in archaeological research and fosters dynamic links between scholars in disparate fields. 

 

LEGO ROBOTICS - ARCHAEOLOGY THEME RESOURCES:

The Society for American Archaeology hosted a webinar on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET, “Exploring Archaeological Challenges: A Webinar for FIRST® LEGO® League and Robotics Teams,” where a panel of professional archaeologists discussed various challenges archaeologists face and answer questions from attendees.  The event, a recording will be available for viewing on the Society for American Archaeology - YouTube page (or direct link to webinar here).

You can also find a list of Network of State/Provincial Archaeology Education Coordinators on our website at Get Involved in Archaeology Locally. These are SAA members across the United States and Canada who can help introduce you to the archaeology in your area. You can find other information about archaeology on our website at About Archaeology.

Resources from Golden Gate Park Archaeology

Explore Our Program

Undergrad Program

Stanford's Archaeology Program provides students with an interdisciplinary approach to the material remains of past societies.

Ruins in Mexico

Graduate Program

Graduate students participate in the Archaeology Program through their affiliate departments, from which they receive their Ph.D. degree.

Student surveying Greek argolid

Field Experiences

Our field experiences are an opportunity to participate in an active archaeological lab and dig research on campus and around the world! 

Events

The Center hosts a variety of events including lunch club, workshops, and distinguished Lecturer Series.

News

Current news on our students, faculty, and the Center.

Students work on digital imaging

Collections

The Stanford University Archaeology Collections (SUAC) is a museum-style collection of archaeology, anthropological, and archival materials.

Events

Rebecca Graff
January
21
DateWednesday, January 21, 2026
Location
Building 500, Archaeology Center
488 Escondido Mall, Stanford, CA 94305
106
Speaker:
Rebecca Graff
Naseem Raad
January
28
DateWednesday, January 28, 2026
Location
Building 500, Archaeology Center
488 Escondido Mall, Stanford, CA 94305
106
Speaker:
Naseem Raad
Khadene Harris
February
4
DateWednesday, February 4, 2026
Location
Building 500, Archaeology Center
488 Escondido Mall, Stanford, CA 94305
106
Speaker:
Khadene Harris

News and Announcements

Krish Seetah

Four Stanford academic community members have been awarded 2023-24 grants from the …

Krish Seetah

Seetah, an environmental archeologist, will be leading the Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in En…

A humble lake in a Canadian suburb may soon become the symbolic starting point for a radical new…

PhD Candidate Yuyang Wang named Schwarzman Scholar. The 2023 Schwarzman Scholars program, provide…

Archaeology Faculty Bookshelf

Book

Regional Economies in Action. Standardization of Transport Amphorae in the Roman and Byzantine Mediterranean

Justin Leidwanger, 2023
Book

Archaeology of China: From the Paleolithic to the Early Bronze Age

Li Liu, 2012