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Archaeology

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

1,920 Questions

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.

Why archaeology is a waste of money?

Archaeology helps us understand our past, shaping our identity and providing insights into human history and culture. It also aids in preserving and conserving cultural heritage for future generations. Investing in archaeology leads to scientific discoveries, educational opportunities, and economic benefits through tourism and cultural exchange.

How was the cave canem mosaic in pompeii made?

The Cave Canem mosaic in Pompeii was made using a technique called opus vermiculatum, which involved creating intricate designs with small, colored tesserae (mosaic tiles). The image of the dog and accompanying words were meticulously crafted by skilled mosaic artisans, combining various colors to bring the scene to life. The process required careful planning, precision, and artistic skill to achieve the final detailed and realistic image.

Where did the dead bodies of Pompeii reserved?

The dead bodies in Pompeii were preserved by the volcanic ash and pumice that covered the city when Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79. The ash quickly cooled and solidified around the bodies, creating casts of the victims when the bodies decomposed.

What finding an archeological artifact in its original location?

Finding an archaeological artifact in its original location is crucial for understanding the context of the artifact within the site. It allows archaeologists to study how the artifact was used and why it was placed there, providing valuable insight into the culture and history of the site. This information is essential for reconstructing the past and interpreting the significance of the artifact.

Does archaeology support the Tanakh?

Yes.

  • Archaeological finds, such as the Ugarit documents and those of Nuzu, Mari, Susa, Ebla, and Tel el-Amarna, have repeatedly caused doubters to retract specific claims. The entire social milieu portrayed in the Torah, once criticized as anachronistic, has been shown to be historically accurate, including customs of marriage, adoption, contracts, inheritance, purchases, utensils, modes of travel, people's names and titles, etc. Professor Gleason Archer Ph.D of Harvard University states: "In case after case where historical inaccuracy was alleged as proof of late and spurious authorship of the biblical documents, the Hebrew record has been vindicated by the results of recent excavation, and condemnatory judgment has been proved to be without foundation."
  • Dr. William Albright, who was probably the foremost authority in Middle East archaeology in his time, said: "There can be no doubt that archaeology has confirmed the substantial historicity of the Old Testament." And a quote from a researcher named Norman Geisler: "In every period of Old Testament history, we find that there is good evidence from archaeology that the Scriptures speak the truth. In many instances, the Scriptures even reflect firsthand knowledge of the times and customs it describes. While many have doubted the accuracy of the Bible, time and continued research have consistently demonstrated that the Word of God is better informed than its critics. "In fact, while thousands of finds from the ancient world support in broad outline and often in detail the biblical picture, not one incontrovertible find has ever contradicted the Bible."

What evidence did the archaeologists find to suggest that the tainos existed?

Archaeologists found artifacts such as pottery, tools, and petroglyphs in various excavation sites across the Caribbean region where the Taino people once lived. These artifacts provide physical evidence of the Taino culture and way of life, confirming their existence. Additionally, historical accounts and oral traditions from other indigenous groups and European colonizers also mention the Taino people, further supporting their existence.

Could a woman who lived fifteen thousand years ago found frozen in a glacier be considered a fossil?

No.

The ice would have preserved her body, "locking" her in her fleshy state, mummifying her naturally.

The woman would be mummified, not fossilised.

Also, fossils are found in rocks - glaciers are made of ice.

Where do you learn archeology?

You can learn archaeology through academic programs at universities, field schools, and practical experience working on archeological excavations under the guidance of experienced professionals. Many individuals also choose to specialize in a particular area of archaeology through postgraduate studies and research.

How did the Sumerians go fishing?

Indeed the Sumerians caught many fish and hunted fowl and gazelle. The Sumerians ate what they could. They ate apples, pears, grapes, figs, quinces, plums, apricots, mulberries, melons and pomegranates. Bread was a large part of the Sumerians' meals. They drank beer, cow's milk and of course water.They also ate food from what they grew - they grew barley, chickpeas, lentils, wheat, dates, onions, garlic, lettuce, leeks and mustard. The people gathered in the channels teeming with fish. That was a source of protein.

What is milgram study?

The Milgram study was a psychological experiment conducted by Stanley Milgram in the 1960s to investigate obedience to authority figures. Participants were instructed to administer electric shocks to another individual (a confederate) when they answered questions incorrectly, even when they expressed signs of distress. The study highlighted the power of authority in influencing obedience and raised ethical concerns in research.

Why do Paleolithic female figurines outnumber male representations?

One possible explanation is that the female figurines could have been associated with fertility, emphasizing the importance of women in the community for reproduction and survival. These figurines may have been used for ritual or spiritual purposes related to fertility and childbirth. Additionally, women may have had a central role in early societies, reflected in the abundance of female representations in art.

Is the inferences that archaeologists sometimes make have no place in a serious study of history?

Archaeological inferences play a crucial role in a serious study of history by providing valuable insights into past societies, cultures, and daily life. They help historians piece together the puzzle of the past by interpreting material remains and artifacts left behind. While interpretations may sometimes be speculative, they are an essential part of understanding and reconstructing historical narratives.

What does warrior band mean?

A warrior band refers to a group of warriors or fighters who work together as a cohesive unit. They often share a common goal, such as protecting their community or engaging in warfare.

What is extensive cautery artifact?

Extensive cautery artifact refers to images in radiology studies that show dark or discolored areas due to excessive heat generated by electrosurgical cautery during a surgical procedure. This artifact can obstruct clear visualization of surrounding structures and may affect the interpretation of the images.

How many scenes are on the column of Marcus Aurelius?

There are 120 scenes depicted on the column of Marcus Aurelius in Rome. These scenes spiral around the column and depict various military campaigns and battles of Emperor Marcus Aurelius.

What are 2 synonms for the word artifact?

Two synonyms for the word "artifact" are "relic" and "remnant."