Archaeology Flashcards
(31 cards)
What is archaeology?
The study of past human life and culture through material remains.
What is a site in archaeology?
A location where evidence of past human activity is preserved.
What is an artifact?
Any portable object made or used by humans.
What is a feature in archaeology?
A non-portable structure or element, such as a wall, ditch, or hearth.
What is stratigraphy?
The study of layers (strata) of soil and artifacts to understand chronological sequence.
What is a stratum?
A distinct layer of sediment or soil indicating a specific time period.
What is a baulk?
An unexcavated vertical strip of earth left between excavation squares to show stratigraphy.
What is an open-area excavation?
A method where large horizontal areas are exposed and excavated simultaneously.
What is a test pit?
A small, preliminary excavation used to determine the extent of archaeological deposits.
What is a trench in archaeology?
A long, narrow excavation often used to sample stratigraphy.
What is the Law of Superposition?
The principle that lower layers are older than those above them.
What is radiocarbon dating (C-14)?
A method of dating organic materials by measuring radioactive carbon decay.
What is dendrochronology?
The scientific method of dating trees based on their growth rings.
What is thermoluminescence dating?
A method of dating ceramics or burned stone by measuring light released when heated.
What is electron spin resonance (ESR)?
A dating technique that measures trapped electrons in tooth enamel or minerals.
What is fission track dating?
A technique that counts damage trails from radioactive decay in volcanic minerals.
What is relative dating?
Determining the age of an object in relation to other objects without assigning a specific date.
What is absolute dating?
Determining a precise calendar date or range using scientific methods.
What is typology in archaeology?
Classifying artifacts into types based on similarities and differences.
What is a midden?
A prehistoric refuse heap or trash pile that provides insights into diet and lifestyle.
What is a context in archaeology?
The exact position and association of artifacts and features within a site.
What is cultural materialism?
An approach focusing on material conditions like technology and environment in shaping culture.
What is provenance?
The documented origin and history of an artifact from discovery to present.
