This stimulating collection demonstrates the inadequacy of a history that is always written by the ``winners.'' Drawing on original studies from Africa, North America, Australia and the Pacific in order to make its points, The Politics of the Past emphasizes that archaeology has a crucial role to play in promoting a more balanced, eclectic approach to the past. The essays in the book are organized around four themes: the forms and consequences of the Eurocentric heritage, the conflicting perspectives of rulers and ruled, the significance of administrative and institutional rivalries, and the divide between professional and popular views of archaeology. This illuminating book aims to enrich historical and archaeological inquiry and interpretation.