Journal of World Prehistory is an international forum for the publication of peer-reviewed original articles that synthesize the prehistory of an area or of a time-horizon within a larger region, or describe technical advances of wide and general application. These overview papers provide in-depth, thoughtful development of data and concepts in a fashion accessible to all archaeologists.

The journal focuses on prehistory, including the beginnings and early development of complex societies. Coverage extends to locales not normally available to American or West European archaeologists, including the Far East, parts of the Third World, and Eastern Europe.