Archaeology

Prehistoric Archaeology

The study of human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts.

Stone Age

The earliest period of human culture, characterized by the use of stone tools.

Pleistocene Epoch

The geological epoch from about 2.6 million to about 11,700 years ago, associated with the last ice ages.

Bronze Age

The period marked by the use of bronze, technological advancements, and complex societies.

Iron Age

The period following the Bronze Age, characterized by the widespread use of iron tools and weapons.

Three-Age System

A framework for understanding the development of human societies: Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age.

Cenozoic Era

The geological era that includes the present day, beginning 66 million years ago.

Geological Framework

The physical structure of the earth, including mountains, plains, and bodies of water.

Alps

A major mountain range in Europe, significant for its impact on climate and trade.

Copper

A metal primarily found in Eastern Europe, essential for early metallurgy.

Tin

A rare metal necessary for creating bronze; scarcity impacted trade.

Precious Metals

Valuable materials like gold and silver, often found in Eastern Europe.

Sima del Elefante

An archaeological site in Atapuerca, known for containing the oldest human remains in Europe.

Gran Dolina

A major archaeological site in Atapuerca that provided evidence of Homo antecessor.

Bioarchaeology

The study of human remains in an archaeological context.

Rescue Archaeology

Archaeology conducted to preserve sites threatened by modern development.

Stonehenge

An iconic prehistoric site in England, associated with astronomical and ritualistic purposes.

Swiss Lake Dwellings

Neolithic settlements discovered in the 1850s, providing insight into early agricultural societies.

Knossos

An archaeological site in Crete, revealing advanced Minoan civilization.

National Differences in Archaeology

Variability in archaeological focus and methods across European nations.

Soviet Archaeology

Archaeological practices in Eastern Europe influenced by Marxist ideology.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

An approach in archaeology that integrates methods and perspectives from various disciplines.

Cultural Evolution

The progression from simple to complex societal structures observed in European prehistory.

Significance of European Prehistory

Provides insights into human adaptation, cultural innovation, and lessons for modern challenges.

Social Hierarchies

Organizational structures within societies that reflect levels of power and status.

Literate Societies

Societies that possess written language, marking a significant cultural evolution.

Technological Advancements

Improvements in tools and methods that directly impact human activities and societal growth.

Early Agricultural Societies

Communities transitioning from foraging to farming practices, leading to settled lives.

Fortifications

Structures built to protect people and property, prominent in the Iron Age.

Archaeogenetics

The study of ancient DNA in archaeological contexts to understand human history and evolution.

Cultural Changes

Transformations in societal practices, beliefs, and technologies over time.

Complex Social Structures

Advanced societal organizations characterized by specialized roles and institutions.

Modern Archaeology

Archaeological practice characterized by technological innovations and theoretical diversity.

Theoretical Approaches

Diverse frameworks used by archaeologists to interpret and understand archaeological evidence.

Early Human Groups

The initial communities of humans that laid the groundwork for later civilizations.

Contextualization of Findings

The process of placing archaeological findings within a framework of time and culture.

Societal Evolution

The process through which societies develop and change over time.

Monoliths

Large singular stones often used as monuments or markers, significant in prehistoric cultures.

Purpose of Monoliths

Monoliths served various purposes including religious, astronomical, and commemorative functions.

Menhirs

Upright stones that are often part of a larger structure or alignment, commonly associated with prehistoric sites.

Stone Circles

Arrangements of standing stones in a circular layout, often linked to ancient rituals and astronomy.

Göbekli Tepe

An archaeological site in Turkey featuring monumental stone structures, considered one of the oldest temples.

Easter Island Moai

Large statues carved from volcanic tuff, representing ancestral figures on Easter Island.

Alignment of Monoliths

Monoliths were often aligned with celestial bodies or geographical features, indicating their astronomical significance.

Cultural Significance of Monoliths

Monoliths reflect the social organization, spiritual beliefs, and technological capabilities of the societies that created them.

Dolmens

Megalithic tombs consisting of a large stone slab supported by smaller stones, often associated with burial practices.

Lithic Technology

The methods and techniques used in the shaping and installation of stone tools and structures, including monoliths.