University:
Tyler Junior College
Course:
ANTH 2301 | Anthropology
Academic year:

2024
Views:

175

Pages:

2
Author:

Dave D.

Cracking the Past: Essential Archaeological Methods ANTH 2301 Overview The study of human history and prehistory via the excavation and dissection of artefacts, buildings, and other physical remnants is known as archaeology. The approaches taken in this project are essential to rebuilding historical civilisations and comprehending their evolution. This article will examine three crucial archaeological tools that archaeologists use to reveal the complexity of historical narratives: radiocarbon dating, remote sensing, and stratigraphy. Comprehending Stratigraphy Interpreting the historical context of artefacts heavily relies on stratigraphy, the study of the arrangement and sequencing of strata in archaeological remains. The chronology of human activity at a place may be ascertained by archaeologists by measuring the depth and makeup of soil layers. For example, many strata of habitation were discovered during the excavation of Çatalhöyük in Turkey, with older communities situated underneath more recent ones. The chronology of the site's occupation was made clearer by this stratigraphic investigation, which also showed how the people who lived there evolved socially and technologically over millennia. The Accuracy of Radiocarbon Dating Another essential method in archaeology is radiocarbon dating, which offers accurate chronological data on organic materials. Researchers can determine the age of artefacts such as bone, wood, or pottery with an accuracy of a few hundred years by analysing the decay of carbon-14 isotopes in these materials. When radiocarbon dating was used to corroborate the date of the volcanic eruption at the Pompeii excavation, it was a noteworthy application of this method. Because of this accuracy, archaeologists are able to produce timelines that shed light on how people have evolved and interacted with their surroundings across time, providing comprehensive understanding of historical occurrences. New Developments in Remote Sensing The ability to identify sites without requiring significant excavation has revolutionised the discipline of archaeology. Examples of these remote sensing technologies include aerial photography and ground-penetrating radar. Archaeologists may survey broad regions using these non-invasive techniques, which let them find buried underlying structures like walls or foundations. One excellent illustration of this is the discovery of hitherto undiscovered Mayan civilisations in Central America through the use of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) over thick rainforest regions. These discoveries contradict preconceived notions about the size and social organisation of ancient civilisations in addition to illuminating their scope. In summary In summary, radiocarbon dating, remote sensing, and stratigraphy are essential tools in the archaeology discipline. Every approach makes a distinct contribution to our comprehension of historical tales, enabling us to put together the intricacies of earlier cultures and their development. With the advancement of archaeological techniques, we may expect a richer understanding of our ancestors' life and a deeper understanding of human history. Citations B. M. Fagan (2013). An overview of archaeology. Pearson E. C. Harris (1979). Archaeological Stratigraphy Fundamentals. Press Academic Shugar, Anthony (2015). Archaeology and Remote Sensing. Springer

Cracking the Past Essential Archaeological Methods

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