Archaeological Concepts Quiz

What does the law of superposition state in stratigraphy?

• Older layers are found above newer layers

• Sediment layers are randomly arranged

• A sediment layer at the bottom was put there first and is older

• All layers are of the same age

What is stratigraphy primarily concerned with?

• The color of sediment layers

• The interpretation of layers of sediment and their contents

• The chemical composition of artifacts

• The geographical location of archaeological sites

What is an artefact?

• A natural object found in nature

• An object used, modified, or manufactured by humans

• A type of plant species

• A geological formation

What effect do excessively dry conditions have on the rate of decay?

• They accelerate the rate of decay.

• They halt the normal rate of decay.

• They have no effect on the rate of decay.

• They slow down the rate of decay slightly.

What is the significance of the Tollund Man in Denmark?

• He was a famous king

• He is a well-preserved bog body

• He was a legendary warrior

• He was a famous philosopher

Which two cities were buried by Mount Vesuvius?

• Rome and Naples

• Athens and Sparta

• Pompeii and Herculaneum

• Florence and Venice

Who provided an account of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius?

• Julius Caesar

• Pliny the Younger

• Aristotle

• Socrates

Where was the Ice Man discovered?

• Rocky Mountains

• Italian Alps

• Andes Mountains

• Himalayas

What is dendrochronology used for in archaeology?

• Dating artifacts based on tree ring patterns

• Mapping ancient trade routes

• Studying ancient climates

• Analyzing soil composition

What is the primary purpose of carbon dating in archaeology?

• To map ancient settlements

• To analyze the chemical composition of rocks

• To estimate the age of organic materials

• To determine the age of metal artifacts