Investigating Ancient History Flashcards
What is stratigraphy?
Stratigraphy is a branch of geology that deals with strata.
How do archaeologists reveal what happened in the past?
They discover what happened by using the layers of strata and remnants or debris.
What did Heinrich Schliemann do?
He falsified documents and used poor excavation which ruined the strata in troy.
What did Sir Arthur Evans do?
He restored items based on fantasy rather than fact and evidence. (THE THRONE ROOM)
Who is Giovanni Belzoni and what did he do?
Belzoni was a tomb robber. He wrote is a diary as he robbed tombs. He stole their papyri. He also crushed a lot of mummies and destroyed them without caring.
Who is M. Petrie?
Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie is an ancient archaeologist. He used protective measures and cared about preservation as opposed to Belzoni.
How have the aims of archaeology changed?
Archaeology is more focused on preservation, restoration and conservation as opposed to just stealing treasures.
What are the main differences between the grid system and open area excavation?
The grid system digs out a large box and divides it with string. The open area excavation slowly uncovers one layer of stratum at a time.
What are Baulks? What purpose do they serve?
Baulks are the thin strips of land between holes. They can be used as a walkway in order to assess the archaeological dig or as a record of the sequence of layers.
What is Provenance? Why is it important?
Provenance is the origins and published ownership history of an archaeological artefact. It is important because it hold meaning and history relating to the piece.
Why are pharaohs often represented as larger and stronger in their tomb carving than they actually are?
This is because they want to be portrayed as larger and more powerful. This is evidence of propaganda in the ancient world.
BANNED LANGUAGE
I BELIEVE
COMPARED TO TODAY
I, MY, ME, WE, US
FIRSTLY, SECONDLY, THIRDLY
What is preservation?
Keeping an artefact in the same condition as it was found, protect from tourism, Scaffolding or plastic coverings allowed.
What is conservation?
Deliberate attempts to stop the process of change and decay, Restoration.
What is reconstruction?
Rebuilding or returning something to its original state
What is a challenge that archaeologists face?
Reconstructing the past as faithfully as purpose
Recognizing limitation
Gaps in evidence.
What role has modern warfare played in revealing archaeological sites?
Modern warfare has sometimes revealed artefacts and potential archaeological sites.
