A2 Archaeology AQA Level 3

Settlement: An introduction

Settlement ► Permanent or temporary?  Sedentary or nomadic (including seasonal and hunting camps). ► Built or used?  Houses versus rock shelters. ► Small or large scale?  Size, development and needs of population. ► On or off site?  Human impact on environment (sometimes beyond the actual settlement).

What is a site? ► A place where human occupation is found  Traces of artefacts  Structures  Modifications of the landscape  Faunal remains ► Extent of site  Boundaries?  “Locales” (Bradley’s Archaeology of natural places).

Introduction to Landscapes ► The places and manner in which people lived in the past might be very different to today. ► Ethnography is the study of people who still live in traditional ways today.  Nomadic people  Hunter-gathers ► e.g. Inuit Eskimos, San people, Australian Aborigines etc.

Introduction to Landscapes ► Habitation sites cannot be completely separated from the environment or landscape. ► Habitation is only one type of site and should be examined in relation to other contemporary sites in the locality.

The Landscape ► The landscape is full of human cultural activity that can often be seen best on ariel photographs. ► Many different skills are needed to unravel the landscapes of the past

Geoarchaeology ► The application of geographical and geological concepts and methods to aid in the interpretation of the archaeological record of ancient human societies. ► In involves interdisciplinary studies in areas such as archaeological site formation, paleogeography, palaeoenvironmental reconstruction, chronometric dating and physical and natural science applications to archaeological materials (Lakehead University, Canada). ► The role of the geoarchaeologist is to “to assist the archaeologist in placing archaeological data into an environmental setting” (Seramur, K.C.)

Geoarchaeology ► Geoarchaeology is a sub-field of archaeology which uses the techniques and subject matter of geography and other earth sciences to examine topics which inform archaeological knowledge and thought. archaeologygeography earth sciencesarchaeologygeography earth sciences ► Geoarchaeologists study the natural physical processes that affect archaeological sites such as geomorphology, the formation of sites through geological processes and the effects on buried sites and artifacts post-deposition. archaeological sitesgeomorphologyartifactsarchaeological sitesgeomorphologyartifacts ► Geoarchaeologists' work frequently involves studying soil and sediments as well as other geographical concepts to contribute an archaeological study. soilsedimentssoilsedimentshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geoarchaeology

Geoarchaeology ► Archaeologists find artefacts and features buried at varying depth beneath the ground surface. ► They must pay careful attention to the earth materials (sediments and soils) they find remains in. ► The sediments themselves often hold important clues to the age, state of preservation and prehistoric environments of the archaeological sites they contain.

Geoarchaeology – Case Study ► Trent Valley Geoarchaeology ► ► Trent Valley Geoarchaeology is an interest group bringing together professional archaeologists, geologists, aggregate companies, environmental and statutory bodies working within the valley of the River Trent. The group aims to promote high quality, multidisciplinary geoarchaeological research advancing the sustainable use of the valley.

The study of rocks & soils ► A geologist studies rock. ► A pedologist studies soil. ► It is useful to know the geology and soil types of different areas when looking for possible areas that may have been inhabited in the past. ► The soil itself holds valuable clues to past activity. ► The soil holds vital clues to the botanical remains of plants that once grew there (archaeobotany).

org/wikipedia/commons/ 7/78/Geological_map_of _Great_Britain.jpg Geological map of Great Britain

GIS showing pedology of the High Paraguay Basin

Archaeobotany ► Archaeobotany is a sub-section of Environmental archaeology. ► Remains are recovered through careful sifting, sieving and flotation. ► May recover:  Pollen  Petals and leaves  Charred remains  Coprolites

Palaeoclimate ► The study of past climates is an integral part of Environmental Archaeology  It provided valuable information about the challenges human populations faced in the past. ► It also helps archaeologists to interpret settlements and material culture ► Archaeobotany, pollen analysis (palynology)  Play a part in reconstructing past climates.

Pollen Diagram

Reconstruction of Boxgrove