The book is a systematic review of methods for developing the reconstruction of ancient social and economic systems, known only from archeological data. It discusses the problem of the subject of archaeological science, issues of applying a systematic approach to archeological materials, gives an overview of such economic systems of antiquity as the extraction and production of food, household crafts and crafts, offers a general outline of the history of exchange and trade, the evolution of ancient settlements and funeral rites in connection with issues of social development. In conclusion, the experience of building a periodization of the history of primitive society is given. The book is designed for historians, archaeologists, ethnographers, teachers and students of higher educational institutions.