Archaeology is the scientific study of human history and prehistory through the excavation and analysis of artifacts, structures, and other physical remains. This category delves into the history of human civilizations, ancient cultures, and the evolution of societies. Explore the techniques used to uncover the past, the discoveries that have changed our understanding of history, and the ongoing efforts to preserve our shared cultural heritage.
Thermoluminescence dating (TL), a prevalent method in archaeological science, provides an effective technique for dating ancient artifacts and geological materials. It measures the accumulated radiation dose of the time elapsed since the material containing crystalline minerals was heated or exposed to sunlight.
In archaeology, an assemblage refers to a group of artifacts that are related in some way, often found together in the same context, and therefore can be presumed to be associated with particular people, activities, or periods of time.
Glaciations refer to the periods within an ice age that are marked by colder temperatures and glacier advances. These epochs have carved landscapes, influenced global climate patterns, and even impacted human evolution.
Tradition in archaeology provides a pivotal lens through which to view, analyze, and understand human history. Archaeological traditions refer to the continuities in artifact design and customs passed down through generations, reflecting cultural values, identities, and practices.
The term industry in archaeology refers to a category of artifacts that represent human-made or -modified objects, often characterized by function, style, and material. The industrial artifacts illustrate the breadth and depth of human activities, from primitive tool-making to complex metallurgical techniques.
Stratigraphy refers to the analysis of the superimposition of layers in archaeological sites. As archaeologists excavate a site, they encounter layers of soil and artifacts which, much like the rings of a tree, help them understand the chronological sequence of historical events
Fluorine analysis is an imperative tool in the field of archaeology, employed to compare and contrast the relative ages of different bones and artifacts from the same archaeological site. This technique hinges on the principle that bones buried in the ground over time absorb fluorine
The Three Age System is a critical principle in archaeology that classifies human prehistory into three distinct time periods: the Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age. This comprehensive classification system forms the foundation for understanding the technological advancement of ancient societies.
An artifact is an object made, altered, or used by humans. Artifacts span a wide spectrum from stone tools to pottery fragments, from bone needles to ancient manuscripts. These objects, often excavated from archaeological sites, serve as windows to past societies.
The concept of tools, while seemingly elementary, bears extensive significance in archaeological anthropology. Tools, in the broadest sense, are objects or implements used to carry out a particular function or activity.
An archaeological site is a place where past human activity is identified, often by the discovery of artifacts, ecofacts, or architectural remains. These sites hold an abundant source of information about the societies that once existed and their activities.
Some of the most iconic Plio-Pleistocene hominids fossils have been discovered in regions such as the Great Rift Valley, Olduvai Gorge, and Sterkfontein.
