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Archaeology
For questions on the theory, method, and practice of studying past cultures and peoples.
1,920 Questions
Example problems of carbon dating?
The benefits of carbon dating is that it can give a guide as to the age of an artifact or fossil. Several problems exist with carbon dating.
First, it only goes back so far. After a while, there is not enough radioactive carbon for the machinery to measure.
Second, a sample may be contaminated. If a person picked it up with his bare hands, some of the carbon from his skin may have mixed with the sample.
Third, if you want to know how long ago a cave was first occupied, you may miss the mark completely. People may have used the same garbage dump for over a million years.
What factors influence historiographical trends and why?
Another thing to keep in mind is the quality and amount of scholars at a time. For example, in the early 20th century, there weren't a lot of professional historians, therefore WW1 literature from that time is largely based on the writings of Generals and Leaders who are writing to add to their legacy or justify their actions. 50 years later when there's thousands of trained historians looking back on the writing, they will likely take issue with what the amateurs have said, and they will certainly have issues with the biases present.
So basically, the factors that influence historiographical trends are who is writing and when they are writing. We all have our own inherent biases that colour the lens we look at events through, and this ultimately impacts our writing.
How can scientist use a skull to determine how old the person was at death?
Age at death estimates from the skull are based on the extent to which the various bones of the cranium have fused together. Unfortunately its been shown that the rate at which this fusion takes place is fairly variable, meaning the method is not that accurate.
Where teeth remain these provide a far more accurate indicator.
In practice the most accurate calculations come from taking age at death estimates based on as much of the skeleton as is available, and so studies of just the skull, especially without teeth can only provide a rough estimate at best.
How deep below the surface can artifacts be found?
How deep below the surface artifacts can be found depends on many factors. In some cases archaeological material can be found on the surface if overlying material is eroded away. This may happen near rivers (as they change their course) or on tracks for example. Ploughing can also bring archaeological material to the surface. In other cases archaeological material may be buried quite deep if the environment is one which leads to rapid deposition of sediment over it, such as on floodplains.
In a very simplified way how deep archaeological deposits are will depend on their age.
What did dinosaurs evolve from?
Dinosaurs evolved from reptiles during the Triassic period, about 230 million years ago. They are thought to have descended from Archosaurs, a group of reptiles that also gave rise to crocodiles and birds.
Why do scientists conduct radar surveys of archaeology sities?
Scientists conduct radar surveys of archaeology sites to map underground features without the need for excavation. Ground-penetrating radar can detect buried structures, artifacts, and tombs by sending radar signals into the ground and analyzing the reflected signals. This non-invasive technique helps archaeologists plan excavations more effectively and preserve cultural heritage sites.
The study of the human race its culture and society and its physical development is called?
The study of the human race, its culture and society, and its physical development is called anthropology. This field examines various aspects of human life, such as language, customs, beliefs, and social structures across different societies and time periods.
Why do you think archaeologists do a survey of the area before they start excavating?
Digging randomly would have a high chance of either turning up nothing, or destroying any artifacts that may have been there. Before excavating it's important to gather as much information as possible so that archaeologists have the best chance of finding artifacts without damaging them.
What Were The 5 Biggest Archaeological Discoveries Of The Last Decade?
Can you believe it’s been nine years since the last Indiana Jones film came out? As much as we might wish to forget Shia LaBeouf swinging from vines amidst a family of monkeys, the reality is that Harrison Ford’s scruffy-faced adventurer made archaeology cool for generations of young boys and girls. Now, a similarly exciting first look at the rebooted Tomb Raider franchise proves Alicia Vikander’s Lara Croft is set to become Jones’ worthy successor.
Paramount Pictures (via Independent)
But while the actual practice of excavating and restoring ancient artifacts may not be full of deranged Nazis and supernatural curses, for Dr. Deborah Gangloff, president and CEO of the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center in southwestern Colorado, as well as vice president for outreach and education at the Archaeological Institute of America, it’s always been exciting.
Looking toward the future, not just the pastGangloff is a New World archaeologist, which means her expertise is primarily in North America. For Gangloff, archaeology is not just about digging up the past, but looking toward the future.
The staff of the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center in 2015. Gangloff, pictured center, announced that she’ll from her post January, 2018. (Image via crowcanyon.org)
“There are many reasons why archaeology is relevant today, and we need to do a better job of communicating those reasons to the public and decision makers,” she says. “Archaeological findings can give politicians, planners, and the general public a significant, deep-time perspective on key issues (changing environments, economic and demographic trends, etc.) and quite possibly point the way towards solutions for the future.”
Gangloff (Image via Telluride Gallery of Fine Art)
Since we last saw Indiana Jones raiding the Crystal Skull onscreen, there have been many exciting archaeological discoveries in the real world. Each one has pushed the field forward and taught us something about the past we didn’t know before. With that in mind, here are five of the most important discoveries made in the last decade:
1. The Lovers of ValdaroWe’ve heard of “’Til death do us part,” but a 2007 discovery near Mantua, Italy, takes that concept to an entirely new level. Two skeletons from over 6,000 years ago were excavated, discovered in an embrace. Their legs were intertwined and their arms were wrapped around one another. Immediately, speculation about who these two people were and how they could have died ran rampant. It didn’t help that Mantua was where Shakespeare’s Romeo was exiled after killing Tybalt and where he learned of his darling Juliet’s death.
Scholars are still divided on what may have happened to the lovers. Tests have concluded that the skeletons are definitely a woman and a man, between 18 and 20 years old. But, were they killed? Did they die holding each other on a frozen Italian night? Or were they placed in their intriguing position after their deaths? The world may never know, but it’s fun to speculate.
2. The Nesting Pyramids of Chichén ItzáEven if you’ve never been to Chichén Itzá on Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula, chances are you’ve seen the iconic El Castillo pyramid in photos. Constructed between 950 and 1000 A.D., the ancient Mayan structure rises 100 feet into the sky and is 180 feet wide at its base. On each side, a set of 91 steps rise to the top. When added together with the one it takes to enter the structure, the total number of steps comes to 365—one calendar year.
iStock
What you might not know, however, is that El Castillo actually has two other pyramids inside it. The first has been known for awhile; it was discovered in the 1930s and is believed to have been built sometime between 850-900 A.D. But as recently as November 2016, scientists were still making discoveries at the site.
Archaeologists used electrical resistivity to find a third, even smaller pyramid hidden within the first two. This one was constructed sometime between 600 and 800 A.D. As the oldest of the three, this third structure is thought to be more purely Mayan. Archaeologists believe it can reveal a lot about the beginnings of the settlement, as well as the Mayan’s earliest cultural influences.
The Pyramid before excavation, 19th century (Image via Wikimedia Commons)
This recent discovery will surely increase tourism to the Yucatán peninsula, which Gangloff says is a big benefit of the field. “[Archaeology]…helps increase visitation to cultural and historic sites that brings more people to tour archaeological sites, and that makes them more knowledgeable about what we do and helps support local economies through tourism,” she says.
3. The Youngest Known MummyIn the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, England, sits a small cedar coffin that was unearthed in 1907. The coffin dates back almost 2,500 years, from the Egyptian Late Period, between 664 and 525 B.C. Until last year, museum curators believed the coffin was too small to hold anything but the mummified organs of a deceased individual.
The coffin is over 2,500 years old and only around 17 inches long, according to Realm of History (Image via Realm of History)
That is, until a micro CT scan showed a much more interesting find: a mummified fetus, believed to be only 16-18 weeks old when it died from a probable miscarriage. This makes the fetus the youngest mummy ever found. The scan shows two hands with five fingers each, and the fetus’ arms are crossed over its chest. This remarkable find proves what recent advances in technology enables archaeologists to do.
In a press release, Dr. Tom Turmezei, who collaborated with the museum on the find, said, “CT imaging has been used successfully by the museum for several projects in recent years, but this is our most successful find so far. The ability of CT to show the inner workings of such artefacts without causing any structural damage proved even more invaluable in this case, allowing us to review the foetus for abnormalities and attempt to age it as accurately as possible.”
CT imaging revealed the fetus inside, which had gone undetected for nearly 100 years (Image via Realm of History)
Julie Dawson, head of conservation at the Fitzwilliam Museum, added in a statement: “This ground-breaking find educates us further still in our conception of just how precious the unborn child was in Ancient Egyptian society. The care taken in the preparation of this burial clearly demonstrates the value placed on life even in the first weeks of its inception.”
4. New Dead Sea ScrollsIt was the archaeological find of the century. Between 1946 and 1956, 11 caverns in the Qumran caves near the Dead Sea in Israel and Palestine yielded thousands of fragments of historically significant parchment paper stored in ancient, earthen jars. In early 2017, researchers found a twelfth cave.
For more what they uncovered, and what it means to history, watch our video below.
5. Greece’s Largest TombThe Hill of Kasta was almost discovered first in the 1970s, when an archaeologist speculated that the site, near the ancient Greek city of Amphipolis, hid a large tomb under the earth. His work took him elsewhere, and archaeologists were unable to revisit the site until four decades later. As expected, the tomb was waiting for them.
The tomb, the largest of its kind in Greece, dates from the 4th century B.C., is guarded by two large marble sphinxes, and contains three separate chambers.
What’s more, archaeologists discovered the skeletons of five people: a woman over 60 years old, two males between 35 and 45, a newborn, and a third male whose age is difficult to determine. Initial reports that it was the tomb of Alexander the Great were later dismissed.
More likely, the tomb belonged to a member of an ancient royal family or a wealthy citizen. Inscriptions within the tomb apparently link the tomb to that of Hephaestion, a nobleman and a general in Alexander’s army.
The Accumulation of ResearchSo does Gangloff have a find she’s been a part of that excites her most? For her, it’s not about any one discovery, but the sum total of research that provides insight into the past.
“It’s not the individual artifacts we find that are the most interesting, it’s the accumulation of research findings that help give us a more complete picture of a society of the past,” she says. “For instance, in the southwest of the US, we now have a better view of how people lived 700 years ago and when and why this area of the Four Corners was nearly totally abandoned in the late 13th century.”
To the layperson, that may sound less interesting than cracking bullwhips and fighting off villains, but Gangloff doesn’t mind the way her field is portrayed in the media. In, fact, she says, it can do some good: “While I can’t speak for the entire profession, the popular cultural interpretations of archaeology and archaeologists, while they amuse professionals with their sensationalism, do result in an up-tick in interest in archaeology and in enrollment in college courses.”
So I guess Shia LaBeouf’s monkey swing isn’t all bad.
by Matt Grant
What is the most likely explanation for the similar iconography in prehistoric figurines in women?
The similar iconography in prehistoric figurines of women across different cultures suggests a commonality in the representation of fertility, motherhood, and the divine feminine. It may reflect the importance of women in early societies as life-givers and nurturers, as well as a shared cultural understanding of the role and significance of women in society.
What would be easiest for archaeologists to learn about these cultures?
Archaeologists can learn a lot about a culture through studying its material remains, such as artifacts, structures, and burial sites. By analyzing these physical objects, archaeologists can gain insights into the daily lives, beliefs, and social structures of past societies. Additionally, studying the environmental context and conducting surveys and excavations can provide valuable information about how people interacted with their surroundings.
How does archaeology contribute to Zimbabwe pre colonial history?
Archaeology in Zimbabwe contributes to pre-colonial history by uncovering and interpreting material remains such as artifacts, structures, and sites left behind by ancient civilizations. Through excavations and analysis, archaeologists can reconstruct past societies, economies, and technologies, shedding light on the complexities of Zimbabwe's pre-colonial history. This field of study provides valuable insights into political systems, cultural practices, trade networks, and interactions with neighboring regions prior to European colonization.
When In milgram's experiment compliance or doing what the experimenter asked dropped?
All of these are correct
How does a radiologist contribute to archaeology?
Radiologists can contribute to archaeology by using medical imaging techniques like CT scans and X-rays to analyze and study ancient artifacts or mummies without damaging them. This non-invasive approach allows for detailed examination of the internal structures and materials of artifacts, providing valuable insights into their composition, construction, and historical significance.
What The brown section of the Ethiopian highlands indicate areas that are over what above sea level?
The brown section of the Ethiopian highlands represents areas that are over 7,500 feet above sea level. These high altitudes contribute to the cooler climate and unique ecosystems found in this region.
What are easy disadvantages of archaeology?
Some easy disadvantages of archaeology include the potential for destruction of archaeological sites during excavation, the costs associated with conducting fieldwork and analysis, and the time-consuming nature of conducting research and obtaining permits for excavation.
What is information sharing in archaeological?
Information sharing in archaeology involves the dissemination of research findings, data, and knowledge to other researchers, professionals, and the public through publications, presentations, conferences, and digital platforms. By sharing information, archaeologists can collaborate, build on each other's work, and contribute to the collective understanding of the past. It also promotes transparency, fosters community engagement, and helps preserve cultural heritage.
How is the archaeology changed substantially in the modern times?
Archaeology has changed substantially in modern times due to advancements in technology such as LiDAR scanning, 3D modeling, and DNA analysis. These tools have revolutionized how artifacts are discovered, analyzed, and interpreted, leading to a more interdisciplinary and data-driven approach to archaeology. Additionally, there is an increased focus on collaboration with local communities and a growing emphasis on ethical considerations and the inclusion of marginalized perspectives in archaeological research.
What is the connection to human prehistory artifact?
Human prehistory artifacts are physical objects or structures created by ancient humans that provide important clues about early human behavior, technology, and culture. The study of these artifacts helps researchers understand how early humans lived, interacted with their environment, and developed tools and technologies. By analyzing and interpreting these artifacts, archaeologists can reconstruct and piece together the story of our human ancestors before the advent of written records.
How does writing help historians and archaeologists understand the history of trade in Mesopotamia?
Writing in Mesopotamia helps historians and archaeologists understand the history of trade because it provides written records of transactions, goods, prices, and trade routes. This information offers valuable insights into the types of goods traded, the economic relationships between regions, and the significance of trade in the development of Mesopotamian society. Additionally, written records can reveal details about trade networks, cultural exchanges, and the impact of trade on political and social structures in Mesopotamia.
An artifact found near the Fourth Cataract might have cultural and historical significance to multiple groups, making it difficult to decide how to display it in a museum. Additionally, there may be limited information available about its specific context and purpose, further complicating interpretation. Finally, the artifact's condition and fragility could also influence how it is displayed to ensure its preservation.
How many clay tablets have they found?
Countless. As just one example, The Ebla tablets have as many as 1800 complete clay tablets, 4700 fragments and many thousand minor chips. This is just one collection found in Syria.
Why do you think archaeologists have found so few artifacts from the earliest Americans?
The information available to archaeologist about early Native American cultures is very limited because the race was at risk of being completely eliminated by the Europeans. The people and the belongings were destroyed. Therefore the culture had a lot of history erased.
Who studies human behavior and cultures of the past thourgh the recovery and analysis of artifacts?
Archaeologists study human behavior and cultures of the past through the recovery and analysis of artifacts. They use these material remains to reconstruct and understand aspects of ancient societies, including daily life, social structures, beliefs, and technologies. By examining artifacts in their context, archaeologists can piece together a picture of how people lived in the past.
