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Archaeology

For questions on the theory, method, and practice of studying past cultures and peoples.

1,920 Questions

What are the characteristics of artifacts?

Artifacts are typically man-made objects that have cultural or historical significance. They can provide insight into past societies, technologies, and beliefs. Artifacts are often found through archaeological digs and can include tools, pottery, artwork, and other objects from ancient civilizations.

How does pottery help in reconstructing history?

Pottery can help in reconstructing history by providing insight into past cultures, trade networks, and technological advancements. Studying the designs, materials, and techniques used in pottery can reveal information about the society that created it, including their social structure, economic activities, and artistic preferences. By analyzing pottery fragments found at archaeological sites, researchers can piece together a more complete picture of ancient civilizations and their interactions.

Which is a primary way an archaeologist would decide where a temple stood?

An archaeologist might use documentary evidence, aerial photography, ground-penetrating radar, or geophysical surveys to identify potential temple locations. Excavations are then conducted to confirm the presence of structures and artifacts associated with a temple.

How can you learn from ancient bones and artifacts?

Studying ancient bones and artifacts can provide insights into past societies, diet, health, migration patterns, and cultural practices. By analyzing these remains, researchers can piece together information about human history, behavior, and evolution. Techniques such as radiocarbon dating, genetic analysis, and isotopic analysis help provide a better understanding of ancient populations.

Do archaeologists use banister brushes?

No, archaeologists do not typically use banister brushes for excavation. They use specialized tools such as trowels, brushes, and shovels designed specifically for the careful and precise work of uncovering and documenting artifacts and archaeological features. Banister brushes are more commonly used for cleaning and dusting banisters and other household surfaces.

Why is the litter humans leave behind as valuable to archaeologists?

anything that was left behind that is still preserved today helped in showing what they ate and what they did during their lifetime. how they hunted and how they lived. pottery, feces, corn cobs, tools. arrow heads and anything else that they used to survive.

Why did agriculture develop almost simultaneously in the Old World and the New World?

Agriculture developed independently in both the Old World and the New World because of similar environmental conditions and the need for a more reliable food source. As populations grew, people began to experiment with cultivating plants and domesticating animals for a stable food supply. This led to the rise of agricultural practices in various regions around the same time period.

What makes an artifact?

Sorry. Artifacts are things that were made by humans. The etymology of artifact is from the Latin words "arte" meaning "by skill," ("ars" means "art") and "factum" things made.

What happens to a person's without ambition?

A person without ambition may lack a sense of direction or purpose in life, leading to feelings of apathy, aimlessness, and dissatisfaction. Without goals or motivation to strive for personal growth or success, they may struggle to make progress or find fulfillment in their endeavors.

Do artifacts have to be old?

No, artifacts do not have to be old. An artifact is simply an object made by a human being, so it can be new or old. The significance of an artifact often lies in its cultural, historical, or aesthetic value rather than its age.

What do artifacts look like?

Artifacts are physical objects that are usually ancient and have historical, cultural, or archaeological significance. They can vary greatly in appearance, ranging from tools and pottery to jewelry and sculptures. Artifacts can be made from various materials such as stone, metal, pottery, or organic materials like bone or wood.

What affects the condition of artifacts?

The condition of artifacts can be affected by factors such as exposure to light, temperature fluctuations, humidity levels, pests, improper handling, and poor storage conditions. These factors can lead to deterioration, damage, discoloration, or structural instability in artifacts over time.

How did the Milgram experiment cause psychological harm?

The experiment is unethical and probably would not be allowed by today's standards. The biggest problem is the use of deception, which the experiment relies on. The scientist lies to the test subject saying they will be assisting in a 'learning experiment' and that the shocks are genuine, when in actual fact the scientist is experimenting to see their reaction to the instructions.

The scientist also told them at the start that they are free to leave at any time, but once the voltages increased and the test subject was placed under pressure, the scientist would 'prod' them by saying "You have no choice...you MUST do it."

Arifacts are commonly unearthed by what type of professional?

Artifacts are commonly unearthed by archaeologists, who are professionals trained in the study and excavation of physical remains from past human societies. These artifacts provide valuable insights into ancient cultures, customs, and lifestyles.

What is the artifact called?

The artifact is called the Rosetta Stone. It is a large slab of black basalt inscribed with a decree in three scripts: Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, Demotic script, and Ancient Greek. Its discovery in 1799 was crucial for understanding and deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs.

Why do archaeologists prefer to use BP over BC?

Archaeologists prefer to use BP (Before Present) over BC (Before Christ) as it provides a more precise and consistent timeline. BP is based on the year 1950 as the standard reference point, which helps avoid potential religious or cultural biases associated with using BC. Additionally, radiocarbon dating, a commonly used method in archaeology, is calibrated in BP.

Is artifacts a tool?

Artifacts are physical objects or materials that are created as a result of human activity. While artifacts can sometimes be used as tools, not all artifacts serve a practical or utilitarian purpose. Some artifacts are valued for their artistic, historical, or cultural significance rather than their functionality as tools.

What percent of professional archaeologists are women?

Approximately 50% of professional archaeologists are women. However, the representation of women can vary depending on geographical location and field of specialization within archaeology.

What main artifact do the Bamana people use for the ceremonies?

The main artifact used in Bamana ceremonies is called a Chi Wara, which is a ritual headdress representing an antelope. It symbolizes agriculture, fertility, and the importance of work in the community. The Chi Wara is worn during agricultural rites and dances to honor the spirit of the antelope.

What are radiocarbon dating limitations?

  • First, the size of the archaeological sample is important. Larger samples are better, because purification and distillation remove some matter.
  • Second, great care must be taken in collecting and packing samples to avoid contamination by more recent carbon.
  • Third, because the decay rate is logarithmic, radiocarbon dating has significant upper and lower limits. It is not very accurate for fairly recent deposits. In recent deposits so little decay has occurred that the error factor (the standard deviation) may be larger than the date obtained. The practical upper limit is about 50,000 years.
  • Fourth, the ratio of C-14 to C-12 in the atmosphere is not constant. Although it was originally thought that there has always been about the same ratio, radiocarbon samples taken and cross dated using other techniques like dendrochronology have shown that the ratio of C-14 to C-12 has varied significantly during the history of the Earth. To compensate for this variation, dates obtained from radiocarbon laboratories are now corrected using standard calibration tables developed in the past 15-20 years.

What Homeric epic poem did Heinrich Schliemann use as his guide in finding the site of Troy?

Heinrich Schliemann used Homer's epic poem "The Iliad" as his guide in locating the site of Troy. He believed that the detailed descriptions of the city in the poem matched the geography and landscape of a site in Turkey that he eventually identified as the ancient city of Troy.

What do archaeologists believe was the function of signature seals?

Archaeologists believe that signature seals were used for identification and authentication purposes in ancient societies. These seals were often inscribed with an individual's name, title, or symbol, and were used to mark ownership, secure documents, and authenticate transactions. They were generally made of stone, metal, or clay, and were impressed onto a surface to leave a unique mark.

What subjects are required for an archaeologist?

Subjects required for an archaeologist typically include anthropology, history, geography, and geology. It's also beneficial to have a strong foundation in research methods, writing, and communication skills. Specialized knowledge in areas such as ancient languages, material culture studies, and data analysis can also be valuable.

What is the most likely feeling a reader would get from an essay without a conclusion?

A reader is likely to feel unsatisfied and incomplete when reading an essay without a conclusion. The lack of closure can leave them feeling confused or disconnected from the overall message of the essay.

What are some Korean artifacts?

Some traditional Korean artifacts include celadon pottery, wooden masks used in traditional dances, and hanbok (traditional Korean clothing). Additionally, artifacts related to Korean Buddhism, such as Buddhist sculptures and paintings, are also significant in Korean history and culture.