Sub Fields
Study of human history through the excavation of sites and analysis of artifacts
What is archaeology
Radiometric dating method used to determine the age of volcanic rocks and ash layers
Research method that interprets past human behavior and artifacts by drawing parallels with known, similar, or contemporary cultures
What is analogy
Portable object, used, modified, or made by humans
What is artifact
Study of plant remains to reconsruct past human environment interactions
What is Archeobotany
The precise recorded location of an artifact, feature, or site, in association with other objects
What is arch context
UNESCO world heritage site containing the earliest known human fossils in western Europe, crucial evidence of Neanderthals/early human behavior
What is Atapuerca
Means "dogs belly"
A significant 1,000 old site on Michigan Wisconsin border
Has raised garden beds, burial mounds...
One of the most in tact example of pre-colonial farming
What is anaem omot
Observable, measurable characteristic of an artifact
What is attribute
Study of how ancient societies produced, processed, and used metals
What is archaeometallurgy
Study of humanity, examining human biology, culture, societies, and language across past and present times
What is anthropology
Recurring, distinct assemblage of artifacts found within a specific geographic area
What is arch culture
The assemblage of animal remains found in sites
What is archaeofauna
Pre-historic stone tool flaked on both sides to create a sharp edge
What is bi-face
Absolute dating technique that determines the age of fired materials by measuring the alignment of magnetic minerals with the earths magnetic field
What is archaeomagnitism
Determination of age with reference to a specific timescale, such as a fixed calendrical system
What is Absolute dating
Refers to features, artifacts, or skeletal remains that possess 2 matching sides
What is bilateral
Co-occurance of an artifact with other remains, usually in the same matrix
What is association
Remote sensing technique used to discover, document, and interpret sites from above, using drones, aircraft, or satellite
What is aerial photography
Pre-cursor to modern arch, focused on collecting and appreciating ancient artifacts
What is antiquarianism
Provide analytical methods to date artifacts, identify materials, and analyze organic remains
What is biological/physica
Group of artifacts recurring together at a particular time and place, and represent the sum of human activties
What is assemblage
Metallic substance created by mixing two or more elements (at least one metal) to enhance properties like hardness, castability, or durability compared to pure metals
What is alloy