History Revision

FINDING AND DATING EVIDENCE

The Use of Science and Technology in History & Archaeology

Understanding the Ancient Past

  • Evidence from ancient societies provides insights into how they lived, what they consumed, and their values.

Buried Evidence

Archaeological Methods for Dating Evidence

  • Archaeologists employ various methods to ascertain the age of findings, as many artefacts have been buried for extensive periods.

  • The reasons for evidence being buried include:

    • Deliberate burial practices.

    • Natural occurrences such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, wars, or merely the passage of time.

  • Example:

    • In Scotland, on 28 September 2009, David Booth, trying out metal detection as a hobby, discovered five pieces of gold jewellery from c. 300 BCE within an hour of searching.

Impact of Water Levels on Evidence

  • Changes in water levels can also bury historical artefacts today.

  • Modern Technology's Role:

    • Satellite imagery and diving equipment are being utilized to aid in revealing these historical findings.

    • Cities often exist atop older ruins, complicating archaeological digs.

  • Case Study: Troy, Turkey:

    • Known for at least nine distinct city layers accumulated over time, uncovered through extensive excavation. Each layer provides insights into different historical periods.

TASK: Listing Reasons for Burial of Evidence

  • Potential discussions on reasons for how evidence could be buried.

Construction Discoveries

Unexpected Finds in Construction Projects

  • Construction activities often yield surprising archaeological discoveries:

    • While most finds may be debris, significant treasures and artefacts can emerge.

Case Study: Lopen Mosaic

  • The Roman-era Lopen Mosaic, uncovered in 2001 in Somerset, England, during roadwork, consists of an intricate pattern including wine vessels and nature scenes, believed to belong to a Roman villa from the 4th century BC. Dr. David Miles from English Heritage compared its cost to that of a Persian carpet.

Case Study: Sunken Buddha

  • In 2017, a 600-year-old Buddha was revealed at the Hongmen reservoir in Jiangxi Province, China, after water levels dropped significantly. Experts believe it dates back to the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Notable Archaeological Discoveries

Pompeii: A Historical Case Study

  • Pompeii, buried during the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius on 20 August AD 79, stands as a significant archaeological example.

  • While historical accounts capture its story, excavations from 1754 onwards revealed numerous insights not documented in ancient texts:

    • Discovery of hollow spaces where organic material had decomposed, which archaeologists filled with plaster to create detailed models reflecting the city's structures, furniture, and even bodies.

Research Task

  • Use the internet to identify some of the most recent archaeological findings.

  • Construct profiles for at least one discovery covering the 5 Ws (Who, What, Where, When, Why) and its significance.

    • Example Search Terms: "recent archaeological discoveries 2025" or continent-based searches like "recent archaeological discoveries South America."

Determining the Age of Evidence

How Archaeologists Establish Age

  • Archaeologists utilize several methodologies to establish the age of artefacts and sites:

    • These methods help determine which historical period the evidence belongs to.

  • Methods include:

    • Relative Dating: Involves stratigraphy and typology.

    • Absolute Dating: Can include carbon dating and other methods.

    • DNA Analysis: Offers insights into the genetic history of findings.

Relative Dating Methods

Overview of Relative Dating

  • Definition of Relative Dating:

    • A method that places artefacts in chronological order to illustrate the sequence of events without providing a specific date.

  • Two Main Types of Relative Dating: Stratigraphy and Typology.

Stratigraphy Explained

  • Definition of Stratigraphy:

    • Stratigraphy is based on the observation that over time, geological and human activities generate layers (strata) of soil with differing characteristics. These layers are formed at different times.

  • In stratigraphy:

    • Artefacts located in deeper strata are generally older than those in upper layers.

    • This helps to organize artefacts chronologically, revealing the sequence rather than an exact timeline.

TASK: Stratigraphy Definitions

  1. Define stratigraphy.

  2. Identify the oldest and youngest layers using source materials.

  3. Determine which layers contain evidence of human activity.

Practical Application of Stratigraphy

Case Study of Stratum Level G

  • Evidence found in “Stratum Level G” dated back 2500 years provides insights into the lifestyle of people during that time:

    • SOURCE A: Fire pit with burnt materials.

    • SOURCE B: Animal bone remains from deer or wild goat.

    • SOURCE C: Five intact arrows, which indicate hunting practices.

    • SOURCE D: A specific stone dagger that's 2500 years old.

    • SOURCE E: Axe constructed using vegetation to hold the stone blade, matching DNA from the animal bones near the fire pit.

Writing Assignment: Stratigraphy Paragraph

  • Construct a structured paragraph outlining the lifestyle of people 2500 years ago, supported by evidence from Stratum Level G and additional knowledge.

Further Study of Stratigraphy

Typology Explained

  • Definition of Typology:

    • A form of relative dating where artefacts are arranged in chronological order based on features such as decoration, materials, and shape, showcasing the evolution of design and usage over time.

Absolute Dating Methods

Overview of Absolute Dating Techniques

  • Absolute dating seeks to measure the physical properties of an object to calculate its exact age.

  • Example:

    • Carbon dating, which allows scientists to date organic matter by measuring the decay of carbon-14 at a known rate from the time of death. By determining the residual carbon levels, dates can be extrapolated for when the organism lived.

DNA Analysis

Historical Significance of DNA in Archaeology

  • Unique DNA profiles exist for over 99% of the current population.

  • DNA analysis aids in:

    • Determining familial links among ancient remains, tracing migration patterns, and exploring human origins.

    • Testing the authenticity of archaeological finds.

Case Study: Tutankhamun

  • DNA tests on King Tutankhamun's mummy revealed:

    • Insights about his ancestry and health issues, including severe malarial infections, suggesting a close relation between his parents. This use of absolute dating and analysis enhances our understanding of historical figures.

Finalizing Archaeological Insights

Otzi the Iceman Case Study

  • Introduction to Ötzi, discovered on 19th September by German mountaineers. Initial misinterpretation of the corpse led to significant archaeological insights.

  • Ötzi is dated back to approximately 5300 years, providing a wealth of information about his surroundings, clothing, diet, and tools used for survival.

  • Evidence found with Ötzi supports reconstruction of his lifestyle.

Tattoo Evidence

  • Ötzi bore approximately 61 tattoos that may relate to health issues. Speculated to be linked to acupuncture practices, as tattoos were created through incisions with substances such as charcoal and herbs.

Clothing and Equipment

  • His sophisticated wardrobe included:

    • A grass cloak, a bearskin cap, and shoes designed with natural materials for warmth and adaptability.

Various Items Found with Ötzi

  • Unfinished Bow:

  • Copper Axe: Unique intact axe indicating status; skin-binding with yew.

  • Dagger: Flint blade utilized for various practical functions, revealing hunting practices.

  • Retoucher and Tools: Indicate specialized tool-making practices for survival.

  • Last Meal: Examined stomach contents identified dry-cured goat meat, likely confirming dietary habits and confirming lactose intolerance based on dietary analysis.

Modern Preservation of Ötzi

  • Ötzi is currently preserved at a controlled temperature of -6 degrees Celsius within the Archaeological Museum of Bolzano, maintaining his condition for further study.

Summary of Learning Goals

Conclusion

  • The lesson incorporates insights on finding, dating, and the importance of archaeological evidence in understanding ancient societies.

  • The methodologies applied—from relative and absolute dating to DNA analysis—are integral in reinforcing historical perspectives on daily life, survival strategies, and cultural practices of early human societies.

Extension Writing Practice

  • Addressing the value of sources in depicting daily life and survival strategies through structured writing techniques (TEEL format). Understanding of how Ötzi's lifestyle was constructed through both primary and secondary sources, accounting for gaps and context while providing coherent analysis of archaeological evidence.