Exam 2 Flashcards
AD?
Anno domini
BC?
Before Christ
BP?
Before present
BCE?
Before common era
CE?
Common era
Kya?
1000 years
Mya?
1,000,000 years
Relative dating technique?
Indicates whether something is older or younger.
Absolute/chronometric technique
Provides actual ages in calendar years i.e., this is 2.0 mya
What are some methods of subsurface detection?
- GPR
What is the difference between horizontal and vertical excavation?
Horizontal digs sideways while vertical digs straight down.
What is time depth in archaeology?
A key advantage of archaeology indicating how long ago events occurred.
What do the terms AD and BC stand for?
A.D. - Anno Domini; B.C. - Before Christ.
What do B.C.E. and C.E. stand for?
B.C.E. - Before Common Era; C.E. - Common Era.
What does BP stand for in archaeological dating?
Before Present (1950).
What does Kya stand for?
Thousand years ago.
What does Mya stand for?
Million years ago.
What is relative dating?
Indicates whether something is younger or older.
What is absolute/chronometric dating?
Provides actual ages in calendar years.
What is stratigraphy?
Widespread layers that allow construction of regional timelines.
What is an example of stratigraphy used for dating?
Mazama Ash: 6,800 BP, originated in Oregon, US.
How do style and design relate to dating in archaeology?
Products of a period and place have distinctive styles; changes are usually gradual.
What is frequency seriation?
Styles become popular, reach a peak, then decline.
What is contextual seriation?
Order groups of artifacts based on overlapping traits.