Archeology Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Archeology?

Archeology is the study of human activity through the recovery and analysis of material culture. It is a sub-field of anthropology that seeks to understand past cultures by examining physical remains such as artifacts, architecture, and human remains. Archeology relies on tools such as excavation, contextual analysis, laboratory analysis, and field surveys to uncover the stories of past societies and answer questions about their social lives, economic systems, religions and political structures.Archeologists use various techniques to piece together what happened in the past. Excavation is the most common archeological method; it involves digging down through layers of soil or sediment to uncover artifacts, architecture and other evidence left behind by ancient civilizations. Scientists must carefully document where each artifact was found in order to properly piece together how these objects were used in each era. Contextual analysis is another technique archeologists use; it involves looking at how objects fit into their environment in order to determine age or function. Laboratory analysis involves using scientific methods like radiocarbon dating or X-ray florescence spectroscopy to date artifacts more accurately than can be done with just visual estimation. Finally, field surveys involve mapping out an area for potential sites before undertaking an excavation project; this helps scientists narrow down which areas are most likely to yield useful information about a particular period or culture. Archeology has played a major role in our understanding of human history by providing evidence for theories that have been debated over time; for example, research into ancient civilizations has provided insight into trade patterns between different regions during specific eras. Archeological excavations have also revealed important information about the lifestyles of people who lived thousands of years ago; this includes understanding what kind of food they ate and how they interacted with their environment etc Additionally, archeology has helped us better appreciate our cultural heritage by showcasing physical reminders from generations long gonereminding us that our ancestors were just as complex as we are today.