ARCHAEOLOGISTS LEARNING ABOUT THE PAST

Imagine walking across a vast plain where no humans have lived for thousands of years. Yet, at one time, a village existed in that very area. After the village was deserted, the only signs of a civilization are a few ruins and artifacts that were left behind.

Time passes, and soil covers the site. Within a few centuries, the village becomes hidden. Covered by grass and trees, its secret is covered by layers of earth.

How do we learn about this village? Proof of the village may be uncovered through erosion. Erosion can be caused by animals digging for a meal, plants growing and uprooting the soil, or heavy winds and rain.

Once uncovered, the village site is put into the hands of archaeologists who study the site and record their findings. Who are archaeologists? They are scientist who want to know what life was like for people who lived long ago.

They use artifacts (things made or used by people), bones, fossils, and ruins as clues to the past. Archaeologists are also usually anthropologists, scientists who study the origin, culture, and values of different peoples.

Archeologists do research to learn about the people who are believed to have lived in that region. They try to find the “Cultural Universals” of this civilization.

Background of Culture Themes Economics Food, Clothing, Shelter Political Organization Family and Social Systems Attitude Toward the Unknown Communications Arts and Esthetic Values Recreation Mythology and Scientific Knowledge

Archaeologist must use excavation, or digging to examine the site. They will measure, dig, sift, and brush away dirt to reveal relics from the past. Archaeologists must be patient and careful workers so that fragile and valuable objects are not damaged.

When archaeologists are excavating a site they often find only a portion of an artifact. Frequently, an artifact is broken or was made from material that did not survive the test of time.