Handbook For History And Archaeological Terminology

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1. *Archaeology*:

   The scientific study of the material remains of past human life and activities. Archaeologists excavate sites to uncover artifacts, structures, and other physical evidence to learn about ancient civilizations.

2. *Artifact*:

   Any object made, modified, or used by humans, typically an item of cultural or historical interest. Artifacts include tools, pottery, weapons, and jewelry, and are crucial for understanding past societies.

3. *Archaic Period*:

   A term used to describe a stage in the development of a culture or civilization, often referring to early phases characterized by hunting, gathering, and rudimentary farming practices. In North American archaeology, it refers to the period roughly 8000 to 1000 BCE.

4. *Ancient History*:

   The study of the distant past, from the earliest human civilizations to the early Middle Ages. This period typically covers the time from the beginning of recorded human history around 3000 BCE to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE.

5. *Anthropology*:

   The study of humans, their societies, and customs. Anthropology is divided into several subfields, including cultural anthropology, physical anthropology, and archaeological anthropology.

6. *Anachronism*:

   An error in chronology in which something is assigned to a time period where it does not belong. In history and archaeology, identifying anachronisms is important to ensure accurate historical interpretation.

7. *Achaeology*:

   The study of ancient Greek civilization, including its language, literature, history, and culture. Scholars of Achaeology often focus on the Classical period of Greece.

8. *Assyriology*:

   The study of the history, language, and culture of ancient Mesopotamia, primarily focusing on the Assyrian and Babylonian civilizations. Assyriologists decipher cuneiform tablets and study ancient Near Eastern texts.

9. *Atrium*:

   A central open area in a building, particularly in Roman houses, which served as a reception hall and living space. The term is also used in archaeology to describe similar architectural features in other ancient structures.

10. *Aeneolithic*:

    Also known as the Copper Age, this term refers to a transitional period between the Neolithic (Stone Age) and the Bronze Age, characterized by the first use of copper tools and weapons alongside stone implements.

 

1. Artifact: An object made or modified by humans, that has historical or archaeological significance. Artifacts can be anything from tools and weapons to pottery and jewelry. They provide clues about the people who made and used them, their culture, and their way of life.

2. Assemblage: A group of artifacts found at an archaeological site that are believed to have been deposited at the same time or by the same people. By studying assemblages, archaeologists can learn about the activities that took place at a site and the types of tools and materials that were used.

3. Archaeoastronomy: The study of how ancient cultures understood and interacted with the celestial bodies. Archaeologists use astronomical alignments of monuments, artifacts, and features to understand how people in the past viewed the cosmos and how it may have influenced their societies.

4. Archive: A collection of historical documents, records, and other materials that are preserved for research purposes. Archives can be found in libraries, museums, and historical societies. They are essential resources for historians and other researchers who want to learn about the past.

5. Absolute Dating: A method of determining the chronological age of an archaeological site, artifact, or other material in years. Unlike relative dating, which only determines the order in which things happened, absolute dating provides a specific date or date range. Common methods of absolute dating include radiocarbon dating and thermoluminescence dating.

6. Aboriginal Title: The legal right of indigenous peoples to their traditional lands and territories. Aboriginal title is a complex issue that has been the subject of much debate and litigation.

7. Acculturation: The process by which one culture comes to resemble another culture, often as a result of contact or conquest. Acculturation can involve changes in language, religion, customs, and other aspects of culture.

8. Archaic Period: A period in human history that falls between the Paleolithic and the Neolithic periods. The Archaic period is characterized by the development of new technologies, such as the bow and arrow, and the beginning of a more settled way of life.

9. Artifact Scatter: A widespread distribution of artifacts across a landscape. Artifact scatters can be the result of hunting and gathering activities, campsites, or battles.

10. Anthropometry: The study of the measurements and proportions of the human body. Anthropometry is used in archaeology to study human evolution, health, and nutrition.