Articles
Archaeology
Archaeology is a branch of science that studies the
pre-history of human culture. Generally, this is done by recovering and
studying artifacts, architecture, and even environmental data. Usually,
archaeologists study ancient civilizations; however, they also study modern
cultures.
In the early days of archaeology, archaeologists were little
more than tomb raiders. They eagerly sought out gold, treasures, statuary, and
more from ancient sites. Many objects were lost forever, removed from their
homeland and sold into private collections. Over the years, this has become
very unpopular.
Modern archaeologists take great care to fully understand
the context of each artifact they find. Artifacts are often
left in their home country now, placed in museums and studied
by international teams of scientists. Often, anthropologists
are involved in the cultural study. As archaeology is a
very complex subject, many professionals get involved–geologists,
paleobotanists, paleozoologists, and even art historians.
In modern archaeology, there are three basic steps to be
followed when studying a site: survey, excavation, and analysis.
In this survey phase, researchers look over a site. They
look for interesting features, like houses, and other areas of interest. This
nondestructive technique often involves simply walking over an area, seeking
clues to features that have been buried. Aerial surveys are used to examine
some areas, often using infrared, radar, and thermography. Magnetometers and
metal detectors are also common tools in the search for clues.
In modern excavations, researchers carefully record the
provenance, or precise location, of each object and feature. This is a three
dimensional exercise, with more recent finds being near the surface, while
older artifacts lie deeper down. The excavation phase is the most expensive,
and can also be very destructive. Archaeologists now use more gentle methods
than dynamite and back hoes. A site plan is developed before excavation begins
in order to protect as many of the artifacts as possible.
In the analysis phase, researchers study artifacts and
structures which were excavated. Often, this study can take many years. Each
artifact must be carefully cleaned to remove years of debris. After cleaning,
the artifacts are catalogued, then compared to other similar artifacts.
Of course, it's not just the man-made artifacts that are
interesting. The plants and pollen collected during the
excavation phase provide valuable insight to the climate
and plant life of each site. Bones are studied, leading
to revelations on diet, disease, and more. All these pieces
of the puzzle are studied in an attempt to better understand
the history of humankind.
In popular culture, archaeology has been sensationalized.
Movies like The Mummy and Indiana Jones portray the life of the archaeologist
as one of never ending excitement. In truth, archaeologists will sometimes
work for weeks, even months, searching for clues to ancient cultures.
Archaeology has come far from its primitive roots.
Archaeologists are now at the forefront in the battle to stop looting. Through
their efforts, we have a better understanding of the history and culture of
mankind throughout the ages.file close
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