History flashcards

Palaeolithic

Palaeolithic

Neolithic

excavating

The changing nature of archaeological excavation and recording techniques

The contribution of archaeological and scientific techniques to the discovery and investigation of the ancient past, including site surveys using radar, excavation, dating methods, forensic examination and DNA analysis

Problems associated with reconstructing the past through archaeological evidence, for example in Relation to understanding ancient customs and religious beliefs

The contribution and limitations of ancient texts, inscriptions and iconography to an understanding of the ancient past

Problems of authenticity, including the identification and origin of ancient artefacts, human remains and documents, and the reliability of ancient writers who did not witness the events they describe

Methods of authentication, including scientific and comparative dating techniques for documents and objects, and cross-referencing of ancient sources

Ancient sources that have been deemed to be fakes or forgeries over time and the difficulties of authentication associated with these sources

The nature of the site(s), and the condition and extent of the remains

Issues of conservation and preservation of the site(s), including factors which threaten the integrity or survival of the ancient site, for example environmental factors, war, deliberate destruction, pillaging, poverty

The effectiveness/appropriateness of methods used to preserve, conserve and/or reconstruct the site(s), including relevant national or international charters or conventions, for example UNESCO, and international efforts to protect ancient sites of World Heritage significance

The methods and results of scientific analysis (dating of finds and forensic techniques) and modern preservation of remains

The significance of the human remains and other sources, for example, written, for an understanding of the life and times in which they lived, including: the social status of individuals

• the beliefs and practices of the society

• the health of ancient populations

• the nature of the environment

The ethical issues relevant to the treatment, display and ownership of the remains, for example the use of invasive methods of scientific analysis.