Virtual Archaeology: Traditional tools still in use and artifact dating techniques

The video tutorial covers archaeological digging procedures, highlighting the use of modern tools like metal detectors, laser tachometers, and digital pentagraphs for site documentation. It discusses the discovery of a Bronze Age sacrificial site and the methods used to determine the age of artifacts, including metal microscopy and atom absorption spectral analysis. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of these techniques in distinguishing genuine artifacts from forgeries and improving accuracy over traditional methods.

What is the purpose of using a laser tachometer in archaeological digs?

• To detect metal objects underground

• To provide a computer-assisted means of documenting a site

• To measure the depth of excavation

• To analyze the chemical composition of artifacts

What is the function of a digital pentagraph in archaeology?

• To date artifacts using carbon dating

• To clean and preserve ancient objects

• To transmit the size and location of objects onto a laptop

• To excavate delicate artifacts

What question are archaeologists trying to answer about the stones at the Bronze Age site?

• Whether the stones were used for cooking

• Whether the stones were naturally placed or arranged by humans

• Whether the stones are made of a rare mineral

• Whether the stones were used in religious ceremonies

Which technique is used to determine the exact composition of metal in artifacts?

• Dendrochronology

• Thermoluminescence dating

• Atom absorption spectral analysis

• Carbon dating

Why was there a high rate of errors in dating artifacts before modern technology?

• Artifacts were too damaged to analyze

• The tools used were too advanced

• Archaeologists relied on personal experience

• Artifacts were often mislabeled