DIGGING UP THE PAST ARCHAEOLOGY
WHAT IS ARCHAEOLOGY?
Archaeology comes from the Greek archaia (“ancient things”), and logos (“science” or “theory”). Archaeology is the study of the material remains of the past. Without this science and the work of archaeologists, we would know very little about ancient humans. Archaeologists are specialists in the study of early humans and early civilizations because we have few, if any, written records from this era. To understand this early period in our history, we depend on physical remains. Archaeologists are like detectives, they search out physical clues to solve the mysteries of the past.
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The type of work an archaeologist does requires a lot of patience and perseverance, and isn't quite as exciting as the "Indiana Jones" movies make it seem! Depending upon where they are located, some dig sites may be extremely hot and not have any running water (or bathrooms) nearby!
HOW DO ARCHAEOLOGISTS FIND SITES?
There are many ways that an archaeologist find sites. First of all, an archaeologist knows what environmental factors humans have always needed in order to stay alive. These include easy access to water, location on a trade route, and a geographic location that allows for natural protection. With this information in mind, an archaeologist can study maps to locate likely places where prehistoric people may have lived.
WHY DO ARCHAEOLOGISTS EXCAVATE?
Archaeologists excavate for four kinds of information: They look for •Evidence about past environments. Things such as seeds, animal bones and soil. These are called Ecofacts.
In addition to this, archaeologists often learn of sites when construction companies clear land to build houses, shopping centres, etc., and they uncover artifacts. Most states have laws that require construction crews to report their discoveries of artifacts and features to a local archaeologist.
WHAT DO ARCAEOLOGISTS DO?
Archaeologists work at a dig site to gather data, and then spend the majority of their time in a lab analyzing this data. They eventually write reports on their findings for other people to read about and learn from.
•Evidence of things people made or did that can't be moved, such as house floors or hearths. These are called Features.
•Evidence of the tools or other items that people made and that can be moved or carried. Objects like arrowheads or pottery are called Artifacts. •Organic materials, such as animal and human bones or their fossilized remains. The recognizable remains, or the impressions left by them, of a plant or animal preserved in the earth‟s crust are called Fossils.