Archaeology Flashcards
What is archaeology?
The study of remains left by people in the past
What is the name given when archaeologists dig up the ground
Excavation
This is to find evidence left by people int he past
True or False: Archaeology is our only source of information about prehistoric times
True
What are the 5 ways of how archaeologists find sites?
- The ruins of an old building
- An aerial photograph (from a helicopter or drone)
- Rescue archaeology
- Research archaeology
- Accidental
How is evidence preserved
Evidence such as bodies and artefacts can be preserved in extreme heat (prevents decay) and in airless conditions
What are the 6 steps to excavate a site
- Carry out a survey
- Dig test trenches
- Create a grid system
- Dig using trowels, shovels, brushes & sieves
- Record the position in computers and site book
- Put artefacts in labelled bags & boxes
What is carbon 14 dating
- When alive, all living things contain carbon 14
- After death, the levels of carbon 14 drops
- The less carbon 14, the older it is
What is a geophysical survey
It is like an x-ray of the ground without excavation
What is pollen analysis
The study of pollen remains to find out what & when was growing at a site
What is stratigraphy
The method used to date artefacts and evidence by how deep in the ground they were when found
* The deeper they are, the older they will be
* Used in most excavations
What is dendrochronology
