ABSTRACT
The notion of the Anthropocene acknowledges the profound impact of humans on every ecological sphere of our planet including the Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, Lithosphere, and Biosphere. Researchers from many different academic disciplines discuss, dissect, theorize, moralize, and attempt to define this phenomenon from numerous different angles, including attempting to understand perspectives from non-human species, and even inanimate entities. The Anthropocene is a phenomenon which is readily apparent, but difficult to categorize or define. This chapter argues the necessity for deep-time perspectives on the Anthropocene concept, and its intimate ties to the ways human groups perceive the role of humans in nature or as an integrated part of nature. It begins with a brief historical survey of the theoretical perspectives with which anthropological archaeologists have approached these questions and then discusses some of the key phases of human impact on the environment including global expansion, Pleistocene extinctions, the spread of agropastoral systems of intensified food production, island colonization, and an archaeology of the Columbian exchange. The latter profoundly contributed to the movement and displacement of innumerable species worldwide. The chapter then examines some of the important ways in which archaeology has contributed to common debates and themes in the study of the Anthropocene, including the question: “Can we assign a starting point to the Anthropocene?” and if so, at which point in the human career should we draw that line in the sand? Another important theme addresses the role of humans in nature and the basic anthropocentrism of western Science perspectives compared with alternative viewpoints offered by Indigenous Science, Multispecies Archaeology, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge. The chapter concludes with a call for action to use our studies of the past to help design a more sustainable and equitable future Anthropocene.
