Archaeology Exam Preparation

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to archaeology, trade routes, and the significance of various ancient sites, preparing students for their exam.

Absolute dating

A method to determine the specific age of an artifact or site in years.

Relative dating

A method of determining the age of a fossil or artifact by comparing its placement with that of other fossils or artifacts in layers of rock.

Stratification

The layering of materials in an archaeological site; used to understand the sequence of human activity.

Strata

The individual layers of soil or rock in stratification.

Radiocarbon dating

A scientific method used to date organic materials by measuring the decay of carbon-14.

Dendrochronology

A method of dating based on the analysis of tree-ring growth.

Thermoluminescence dating

A dating method used to date archaeological finds by measuring the light released when a sample is heated.

Intended audience

The specific group of people for whom a written source was created.

Purpose of a source

The intended reason or motivation behind the creation of a written source.

Trustworthiness of a source

The reliability of the source based on its content, bias, and context.

Canaan

An ancient region encompassing parts of modern-day Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria, important in trade and archaeological studies.

Uluburun shipwreck

An archaeological site discovered off the coast of Turkey that revealed insights into ancient trade and maritime practices.

Amphorae

Large ceramic vessels used in ancient times for the storage and transport of liquids and goods.

Bronze tools

Metal tools made from an alloy of copper and tin, used in various ancient cultures.

Perspectives in written sources

The particular viewpoint or angle from which a source is created, influencing its content and meaning.

What is the Hall of 100 Columns?

An impressive architectural feature in Persepolis that showcases the grandeur of the Persian Empire, serving as a ceremonial space for receptions and events, highlighting the empire's authority.

What was the significance of Pasargarde in ancient Persia?

Pasargarde was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire during the rule of Cyrus the Great, symbolizing the unification and cultural sophistication of the Persian people.

What role did Ecbatana play in the ancient Persian Empire?

Ecbatana served as a summer residence for Persian kings and was known for its impressive architecture and as a center for administrative functions.

Why was Susa important in ancient history?

Susa was one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, a major city of the Elamite, Persian, and later the Parthian empires, known for its cultural and economic significance.

What made Babylon a notable city in ancient times?

Babylon was renowned for its remarkable advancements in law, literature, and the arts, as well as being the site of the Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

What is the significance of the treasury tablets in understanding the function of Persepolis?

The treasury tablets provide crucial insights into the administrative and economic functions of Persepolis, revealing how the Achaemenid Empire managed resources, collected taxes, and organized its vast territories.

What do the reliefs at Persepolis reveal about the concept of kingship in the Persian Empire?

The reliefs at Persepolis depict the Persian king as a divine ruler, showcasing his authority, legitimacy, and connection to the gods, emphasizing the sacred nature of his kingship.

How do the reliefs communicate the power and authority of the Persian king?

The reliefs illustrate the king's role as a protector of the empire and its peoples, displaying scenes of tribute from various nations, which emphasize his dominance and the vastness of his rule.