Intro Words for Ancient History

Prehistory

• existing in times before written history; relating to a period of time in which contemporary records have not been created or preserved

• a period characterized by the development of writing systems

• the time after the invention of the printing press

• a historical period marked by significant technological advancements

Anthropology

• the study of ancient civilizations and their cultures.

• the science that studies humans as a species rather than studying a special aspect of their activity.

• the examination of human behavior in social contexts.

• the analysis of human genetic variations.

Artifact (also spelled Artefact)

• a natural object found in nature

• a usually simple object (such as a tool or ornament) showing human workmanship or modification

• a complex machine used in manufacturing

• a decorative piece of art from the Renaissance period

Archaeology

• the study of past cultures and civilizations through examination of their artifacts (anything made by humans)

• the analysis of geological formations and their impact on human history

• the exploration of ancient texts and manuscripts to understand historical events

• the investigation of biological remains to study human evolution

Historiography

• the systematic study of history, as processed through an author’s brain and bias, working with the raw materials he or she has found

• a collection of historical artifacts and documents

• the practice of writing history without any bias or interpretation

• the chronological arrangement of historical events