Archaeological Method and Theory

Question 1

Stratigraphy

Answer 1

The study of rock layers (strata) and the sequence of their deposition. It establishes a chronological sequence of artifacts and events in a site.

Question 2

Law of Superposition

Answer 2

States that in undisturbed layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the younger layers are at the top.

Question 3

Archaeological Survey

Answer 3

The goal is to systematically search and document archaeological sites, helping archaeologists locate and record the extent of human activity in a region. Key methods include:

Pedestrian survey (walking and recording artifacts)
Remote sensing (using technologies like satellite imagery and ground-penetrating radar)
Surface collection and mapping

Question 4

Artifact Variability and its subsects

Answer 4

Archaeologists analyze artifacts to understand past human behavior. This is done through:

Typology: The classification of artifacts based on shared characteristics such as shape, size, or function.
Attribute Analysis: Examining specific features of artifacts (e.g., material, decoration, wear) to understand their use and the culture that produced them.

Question 5

Radiocarbon Dating

Answer 5

A method of dating organic material by measuring the decay of carbon isotopes.

Question 6

AMS (Accelerator Mass Spectrometry) Dating

Answer 6

A more precise form of radiocarbon dating that can measure small samples.

Question 7

Calibration

Answer 7

Radiocarbon dating results must be adjusted (calibrated) because the amount of carbon in the atmosphere has varied over time.

Question 8

V. Gordon Childe

Answer 8

A prominent archaeologist who developed the concept of the “Neolithic Revolution” and the idea that agriculture transformed human societies.

Question 9

New Archaeology (Processual Archaeology)

Answer 9

Focused on understanding culture through scientific methods, and using hypotheses and tests. It emphasizes cultural change through environmental factors and systematic data collection.

Question 10

Postprocessual Archaeology

Answer 10

Critiques New Archaeology for being overly scientific and objective. It stresses the role of ideology, symbolism, and individual human agency in shaping culture.

Question 11

Cultural Resource Management (CRM)

Answer 11

A field of archaeology focused on managing and protecting cultural resources, especially in response to development and construction projects. CRM involves site preservation, evaluation, and excavation when necessary.