Archaeological Sources

Archaeological Sources In this lesson, students will explore the following ideas and questions. QUICK REVIEW • What are archaeological sources? Archaeological sources are material remains studied from sites and landscapes. • What is archaeology? Archaeology is the study of material remains from sites and landscapes to learn about the past. • What is an artefact? An artefact is a human-made or human-modified object. • What is a site? A site is a place where archaeological remains are found and studied. • Which examples of archaeological material remains were taught? Tools, pottery, bones, buildings, burials, coins and inscriptions can be archaeological material remains. • Why record a find before moving it? Recording preserves information about what was found and where it was found before movement changes the scene. • What is archaeological context? Context includes a find's location and its association with surrounding remains. • Why can one object not prove a complete story? One object provides only part of the evidence, so interpretation needs supporting evidence, context and cautious reasoning. LONG-ANSWER QUESTIONS 1. Explain what archaeology studies and give examples of archaeological material remains. Answer: Archaeology studies material remains from sites and landscapes. These physical traces are archaeological sources that help investigate the past. Material remains can include tools, pottery, bones, buildings, burials, coins and inscriptions. An artefact is a human-made or human-modified object, while a site is the place where archaeological remains are found and studied. Key archaeological terms: Archaeology — Study of material remains from sites and landscapes Material remains — Physical traces from the past Artefact — Human-made or human-modified object Site — Place where archaeological remains are found and studied 2. Explain why excavation and recording must be careful. Answer: Excavation is the careful, controlled uncovering of archaeological remains. Finds are marked, sketched and noted while evidence is still in place. Careful recording preserves context. Context includes location and association with nearby remains, information that may no longer be visible after an object is moved. Careful fieldwork: Uncover remains gradually. Mark each find clearly. Sketch and note the find before movement. Keep location and nearby associations linked to the record. 3. Why is archaeology not treasure hunting, and how should archaeological evidence be interpreted? Answer: Archaeology is not treasure hunting because historical usefulness does not depend on an object being valuable or beautiful. Ordinary remains can be important evidence. Archaeologists combine objects, locations, associations and records before making an interpretation. One object does not prove a complete story, so a careful claim explains what the evidence supports without adding unsupported details. A strong archaeological inference: uses relevant evidence includes context compares several clues when possible uses cautious wording does not confuse monetary value with historical importance Learn with NYCE Learning.