WHAT IS ANTHROPOLOGY? The term originates from two words in Greek: (1) anthropos meaning “man” as in “human being” (1) anthropos meaning “man” as in “human being” (2) logos meaning “study”. (2) logos meaning “study”.

Consequently we can determine that anthropology can be defined as: “the study of human beings”. Yet many other humanities, sciences and social sciences could also be defined as “the study of human beings” since the definition itself is so broad. Consequently we can determine that anthropology can be defined as: “the study of human beings”. Yet many other humanities, sciences and social sciences could also be defined as “the study of human beings” since the definition itself is so broad.

Anthropology seeks to find the generalities about human life while also explaining the differences. To do this the examples must include a transcultural and historical perspective.

Anthropology seeks to understand and explain why people do the things they do and say the things they say. A goal is create better understanding among people.

Fossils/Artifacts An archaeologist is someone who tries to figure out what life was like in the ancient past by looking at the remains of ancient people – their fossils and their artifacts. An archaeologist must know the difference between an artifact and a fossil. 1.Fossils are remains of living things (plants, animals, people), not of things that were made. 2.Artifacts are remains of things that were made, not the remains of living things.

What is a site? A "site" is a place archaeologists wish to explore. At the site, archaeologists literally dig, looking for the remains of ancient civilizations. That is why they call the site at which they are working a “dig”.

Archaeology and anthropology are two important tools used by historians to understand prehistoric sites. Archaeology and anthropology are two important tools used by historians to understand prehistoric sites.