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4: The Archaeological Record

  • Page ID
    78457
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    Learning Objectives

    • Describe the types of data archaeologists use.
    • Explain the significance of context to archaeological interpretation.
    • Characterize the different types of sites studied by archaeologists.
    • Identify the significance of the different processes that affect sites after deposition.

    • 4.1: Evidence of Past Human Activity
      When most people hear the word archaeology, they think of things like King Tut's golden burial mask,  perfectly shaped "arrowheads",  or ancient pottery. However, there is much more to the archaeological record than the amazing artifacts. The archaeological record collects, studies, and analyzes all things related to past human activity.
    • 4.2: Context and Deposition
      Archaeologists are not solely interested in the "things" of the past, but they also study how those "things" were found in relation to everything else at the archaeological site. In fact, this a very important part of archaeological research.
    • 4.3: Chapter Four Review
      Review important concepts and definitions of key terms.

    Image: "Meadowcroft Rockshelter revealed North America's earliest known evidence of human presence and the New World's longest sequence of human occupation. All of eastern North America's major cultural stages appear in its remarkably complete archaeological record." By Jbarta under CC0 via Wikimedia Commons.


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