Classical archaeologists and anthropologists share many of the same interests and confront many of the same problems in studying now-extinct
cultures. Despite differences in background and training, scholars in
these disciplines are engaged in analyzing and interpreting the material
remains that constitute the archaeological record. Traditionally, however, there have been few opportunities for Classical and anthropological
archaeologists to meet, exchange information, and discuss recent advances in method and theory.
The study of gender in past societies offers promising possibilities for
bridging this long-standing disciplinary divide. As one of the main axes of
social differentiation, gender is equally relevant to archaeologists and
anthropologists studying small egalitarian societies in the Americas or
Eurasia, ancient empires of the Maya or the Romans, or Classical poleis of
the Greek world.
The Fourth Gender and Archaeology Conference, therefore, convened around the topic of"Diverse Approaches to the Study of Gender in
Antiquity" in order to provide an opportunity for Classical and anthropological archaeologists to report on recent research in their respective
fields and to contemplate fresh perspectives from which to view their
data. 1 The original conference papers covered a range of topics, including gender and technology (Dunham 1996; Hayter 1996), gender and
the construction and use of space (Frink et al. 1996; Price 1996; Tobey
1996), and the cultural construction, negotiation, and transmission of
gender ideologies (Chester 1996; Cohodas 1996; Nobles 1996; Schoenholz 1996). At least half of the presenters, however, explored the concept
of the Body; their chapters form the integrating focus of this volume.