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ARCHAEOLOGY Archaeology Introduction

ARCHAEOLOGY Archaeology Introduction. What kind of discipline is Archaeology : It is a science…why? Careful, logical examination that follows specific processes in an attempt to validate or negate an hypothesis .

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ARCHAEOLOGY Archaeology Introduction

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  1. ARCHAEOLOGYArchaeology Introduction • What kind of discipline is Archaeology : • It is a science…why? • Careful, logical examination that follows specific processes in an attempt to validate or negate an hypothesis . • Definition:Attempt to rebuild the history of an area by discovering and studying its material remains (artifacts). • Artifact: Anything made by humans. Examples: tools, buildings, inscriptions.

  2. ARCHAEOLOGY Introduction • Who is the Archaeologist: • The scientist attempting to prove or disprove an hypothesis. • The archaeologist is also a kind of historian. • He/She is a vital resource for other historians. • What they discover helps historians write histories. • **Remember the gladiator artifact from the article

  3. Archaeology Introduction • Archaeology is a Science:

  4. ARCHAEOLOGY Types • Anthropological: Study of Primitive humans and their material remains. Non-writing cultures.

  5. ARCHAEOLOGY Types • Nautical: Undersea archaeology. Special equipment. Mediterranean and other seas.

  6. ARCHAEOLOGY Types • New World: Archaeology conducted in the Americas. Examples: Native American, Inca, Maya, Aztec. Mayan Temple Aztec Calendar

  7. ARCHAEOLOGY Types • Old World: Archaeology conducted in Europe. Examples: Viking, British, Celtic. Celtic Beehive Hut, Ireland Viking animal head Celtic Tombstone

  8. ARCHAEOLOGY Introduction • Classical: The archaeology of the great civilizations: Egypt, Greece, Rome, Middle East. Fallen Warrior, 5th century BC Charioteer of Delphi, 6th century BC Roman Road

  9. CONDUCTING A “DIG” Excavation: Process of digging up an archaeological site. #1 rule: “All excavation is destruction” Dig=Excavation

  10. CONDUCTING A “DIG” STEP 1: Choice of a Site: • Research • “Surface Survey”: walk the land. • Obtain permission/permits to dig.

  11. CONDUCTING A “DIG” Step 2: Obtain Funding: • Universities • Museums • Private donations

  12. CONDUCTING A “DIG” Step 3: Tools: • Pick • Shovel • Trowel/Spade • Toothbrush • Dental Picks

  13. CONDUCTING A “DIG” Step 4: Obtain Workers: Some will be paid, some volunteers Foreman: directs work parties. Knowledgeable. Work Parties: Each consists of: -experienced -laborers

  14. CONDUCTING A “DIG” ….Other workers: -Specialists: Architect Epigraphist Botanist Surveyor Artist Photographer Anthropologist

  15. CONDUCTING A “DIG” At the Site: Step 5: Goal Year 1: determine # of levels of occupation. Step Trench Step 6: Map entire site and “grid” it. Step 7: Trench the site. Line drawn across site and workers cut into soil until the bottom of newest level is reached.

  16. CONDUCTING A “DIG” Step 8: teams work in a 3-5 meter grid. Each section of grid is numbered and lettered. Step 9: Each work group digs their section, labeling all finds as to where found and on what level. Drawn/photo. In-situ:location where an artifact was discovered Balks:Areas not excavated in order to preserve strata.

  17. CONDUCTING A “DIG” Step 10: After each day, all finds are looked over and catalogued. Yearly Process: Afterexcavating top of mound to bottom of newest level, continue with lower levels, one at a time.

  18. CONDUCTING A “DIG” Most sites are located on mounds (Tells) -Tell: a mound created by successive occupation of the same area. New city built on top of old one. Over time a mound is formed. There could be numerous occupation levels in a mound

  19. CONDUCTING A “DIG” • Levels (Strata). Each period of occupation is considered a level. • Uppermost levels are the latest. • Lowest levels are the earliest. (remember, the new city is built on top of the old one) Step trench

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