Archaeology: Unearthing Human History and Culture
Why is Archaeology Important?
Archaeology is the scientific study of the human past. It is how we are able to extend our knowledge of human history beyond the limits of written records. It helps us understand how and why human behavior has changed over time. Ultimately, archaeologists are searching for ways to better predict how cultures will change, including our own, and how to better plan for the future.
Subsistence Activities in Archaeology
Subsistence refers to the activities humans use to feed themselves. Organic remains survive well only if protected by certain weather conditions, such as hot and dry areas. Subsistence activities, such as those by foragers, could be discovered where simple technology was used to gather fish and wild food resources. Subsistence is a society’s way of supporting life. You can find out about a society’s location, health, and physiology through the types of foods they ate and the means they used to obtain it.
GIS in Archaeology
GIS stands for Geographic Information Systems. They are systems designed to capture and analyze all types of spatial or geographical data. Research done using GIS capabilities is used as a decision-making tool to prevent loss of relevant information that could impact archaeological sites and studies. It helps with cultural resource management to protect resources that are valuable.
Remote Sensing Technology in Archaeology
Two forms of remote sensing technology are:
- Proton Magnetometer: Measures the strengths of magnetism between the Earth’s magnetic core and a sensor the archaeologists control. The magnetometer provides the equivalent of an MRI, tipping off archaeologists to what is going on beneath the Earth’s surface.
- Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR): Radar pulses directed into the ground reflect back to the surface when they strike targets or surfaces within the ground. The signal’s reflection provides information about the depth and three-dimensional shape of buried objects.
Pottery: Methods and Finishing Techniques
Three methods of pot making are:
- Coil
- Mold
- Potter’s Wheel
Chronological vs. Functional Types
Chronological types are types defined by form that are time markers. Functional types are types based on cultural use or function rather than an outward form or chronological position.
Materials for Studying Subsistence
Materials such as animal bones, human bones, and feces can be studied to understand subsistence. These materials provide information on killing patterns of a society. Faunal analysis can provide information about the diet of an animal species and the number of types of species present. These materials can also reconstruct ancient diets. It can maybe tell us when people took up farming and how reliant they were on marine foods.
Gender Archaeology
Gender refers to behaviors, roles, and activities in society, and sex refers to biological and physiological characteristics. Gender archaeology is the study of the relative positions in society of men and women through the differences in power and authority they held. The relationship between the genders can also inform relationships between other social groups such as families, ages, and religions.
Inductive and Deductive Reasoning in Science
Inductive reasoning is working from specific observations to more general hypotheses. Deductive reasoning is reasoning from theory to account for specific observations or experimental results. Scientists use both types because each one has its strengths and weaknesses. In studies of complex, multi-factor systems, a deductive approach is often taken. On other areas, such as cellular biology, research may be done inductively.
Ötzi and Early Europe
Ötzi’s discovery in the Italian Alps provides insights into the Copper Age in early Europe.