Fluid Pasts outlines an innovative archaeological approach to the study of rivers and flowing water, challenging the view that rivers are somehow more natural, less cultural than other kinds of material evidence. In bringing archaeological perspectives to flowing water, as opposed to static and solid objects, the book follows water from rivers along numerous channels to the many archaeological sites where running water was utilised or built into designs and layouts, or where other kinds of flow have left material traces. A focus on flow changes our perception of otherwise ordinary sites and landscapes, its very nature prompting us to think about the material world differently, and to develop more dynamic and fluid forms of analysis.

Matthew Edgeworth is Research Associate and Project Officer, School of Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Leicester.