Understanding Archaeology

What is archaeology?

• The study of modern technology

• The study of material remains of past peoples

• The study of ancient texts

• The study of stars and planets

What is the primary goal of an archaeologist?

• To find treasure

• To learn about people from the past

• To build new structures

• To study living organisms

What is an artifact?

• A natural rock formation

• A type of ancient writing

• An object made by humans

• A modern invention

What do archaeologists do with artifacts?

• Sell them

• Ignore them

• Destroy them

• Recover, preserve, and study them

Why is the picture of human history never finished?

• Because all artifacts have been found

• Because archaeologists stop working

• Because history is boring

• Because new artifacts are always being found

What happens when new artifacts are found?

• The picture of human history changes

• They are thrown away

• They are ignored

• They are hidden

Why might some artifacts be lost forever?

• Many human activities leave no objects behind

• They are too small

• They are made of gold

• They are buried too deep

What is the best picture we have of people and places from long ago?

• Paintings

• Modern photographs

• Archaeological findings

• Written records

What is the first step in archaeology?

• Destroying artifacts

• Ignoring artifacts

• Finding artifacts

• Selling artifacts

What does the study of archaeology help us understand?

• The future

• The weather

• Past human activities

• Modern technology