archaeology archaeology introduction what kind of discipline is archaeology : –it is a...
Post on 17-Dec-2015
217 Views
Preview:
TRANSCRIPT
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.
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
ARCHAEOLOGY Types
– Anthropological: Study of Primitive humans and their material remains. Non-writing cultures.
ARCHAEOLOGY Types
– Nautical: Undersea archaeology. Special equipment. Mediterranean and other seas.
ARCHAEOLOGY Types
– New World: Archaeology conducted in the Americas. Examples: Native American, Inca, Maya, Aztec.
Aztec Calendar
Mayan Temple
ARCHAEOLOGY Types
– Old World: Archaeology conducted in Europe. Examples: Viking, British, Celtic.
Viking animal headCeltic Tombstone
Celtic Beehive Hut, Ireland
ARCHAEOLOGY Introduction
– Classical: The archaeology of the great civilizations: Egypt, Greece, Rome, Middle East.
Roman Road
Charioteer of Delphi, 6th century BC
Fallen Warrior, 5th century BC
CONDUCTING A “DIG”
Dig=Excavation
Excavation: Process of digging up an archaeological site.
#1 rule: “All excavation is destruction”
CONDUCTING A “DIG”
STEP 1: Choice of a Site:
• Research• “Surface Survey”:
walk the land.• Obtain
permission/permits to dig.
CONDUCTING A “DIG”
Step 3: Tools:• Pick• Shovel• Trowel/Spade• Toothbrush• Dental Picks
CONDUCTING A “DIG”
Step 4: Obtain Workers:
Some will be paid, some volunteersForeman: directs work parties.
Knowledgeable.
Work Parties: Each consists of:
-experienced
-laborers
CONDUCTING A “DIG”
….Other workers:
-Specialists:
Architect Epigraphist
Botanist Surveyor
Artist
Photographer
Anthropologist
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.
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.
CONDUCTING A “DIG”
Step 10: After each day, all finds are looked over and catalogued.
Yearly Process: After excavating top of mound to bottom of newest level, continue with lower levels, one at a time.
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
top related