Techniques used to determine the age of artifacts or sites, such as radiocarbon dating, potassium argon dating, and dendrochrononology (tree-ring dating)

Explain the changing nature of archaeological excavation and recording techniques.

Early archaeology (18-19th centuries)-

Often treasure hunting, with little emphasis on systematic recording. Excavations were rapid and destructive

Late 19th-early 20th centuries-

Introduction of more scientific methods, including detailed stratigraphic recording and the use of photography. Careful observation and documentation.

Mid 20th century-

Development of the "new archaeology" emphasising scientific methods, hypothesis testing, and quantitative data analysis

Late 20-21st centuries-

Post-processual archaeology emerged, focusing on the interpretation of meaning and context, and acknowledging the subjectivity of archaeological interpretation. Increases use of technology like GPS, GIS and 3D modelling for recording

Explain 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.

Site surveys (radar):

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) and other remote sensing techniques allow archaeologists to locate buried features without extensive digging, preserving the site.

Excavation:

Provides the primary data for archaeological interpretation, revealing the context of artifacts and features
Dating methods:
establish chronologies, allowing archaeologists to understand the sequence of events and cultural changes over time. Radiocarbon dating is crucial for organic materials, while other methods like potassium-argon dating are used for geological layers.
Forensic examination:
helps to analyse human remains to determine age, sex, cause of death, and other details about past populations
DNA analysis:
provides insights into genetic relationships, migration patterns, and the health of ancient populations. It can also help identify individuals in burials.

Explain problems associated with reconstructing the past through archaeological evidence.

Incompleteness:

the archaeological record is incomplete due to decay, destruction, and the selective nature of preservation

Interpretation:

archaeological evidence requires interpretation, which can be subjective and influenced by the biases of the researcher

Context:

the meaning of an artifact depends on its context, which can be difficult to reconstruct accurately

Destruction:

excavation is destructive, and one a site is dug, it cannot be re-excavated

Looting and illegal trade:

The destruction of sites and the loss of artifacts to the black market deprive archaeologists of valuable information.

Tutankhamun Questions:

Explain how Tutankhamun's Tomb was discovered.

Howard Carter, funded by Lord Carnarvon, spent years searching the Valley of the Kings. In 1922, Carter's team found a step leading down to a sealed doorway. After weeks of careful excavation, they entered the tomb and found it largely intact.

Explain why Howard Carter's excavation methods were so significant.

Carter was meticulous and methodical, taking detailed notes, photographs, and drawings of every object.
He developed new techniques for preserving fragile artifacts
His approach set a new standard for archaeological excavation, emphasising careful recording and preservation

Explain what sources from Tutankhamun's Tomb reveal about everyday life in Ancient Egypt.

Furniture

Beds, chairs and chests show the style and craftsmanship of Egyptian furniture

Clothing and jewelry

Reveal the fashion and personal adornment of the elite

Games and musical instruments

Show forms of entertainment and leisure activities

Food and wine containers

Provide evidence of diet and agricultural practices

Explain what the artefacts from Tutankhamun's tomb reveal about Egypt during this time. Ensure you integrate evidence from at least 3 artefacts.

Golden throne:

Shows the wealth and power of the pharaoh, decorated with intricate carvings and precious materials

Chariots

Reveal the importance of chariots in warfare and transportation

Daggers

One made of gold and the other of meteoric iron, show advanced metalworking skills and trade networks.

Tutankhamun was a pharaoh in Ancient Egypt. He passed at the age of 19, and was buried in the valley of the kings. Howard Carter, an archaeologist, excavated the tomb and found hundreds of untouched artefacts that are still significant today. Ancient Egyptian artefacts tell us about the livelihood, craftsmanship and the importance of the afterlife.

In the antechamber, of King Tuts tomb, there were 3 chariots. The chariots where made from a bentwood body and partially filled with a thin wooden sheet. These chariots revealed the importance of chariots in warfare and transportation of the time. In ancient Egypt whatever one wanted to take to the afterlife, they had in their tomb. Therefore King Tutankhamun valued both luxury and transportation.

King Tutankhamun was mummified. Woven in the linen, were two daggers. One blade was made from meteorite and the other from gold. The significance of finding these daggers showed todays society the advanced metalworking skills and the trade networks in ancient Egypt.

Finally in the late kings treasury was a huge golden throne. The finding of the great untouched artefact, still remains incredible to this day. The throne was made from gold, and was decorated with intricate carvings and precious material, which in itself shows the skills ancient Egyptian craftsmen had. Additionally the throne shows the wealth and power of Tutankhamun, and the hierarchy of the society at the time.

To conclude Egyptologists found many artefacts that all show the religious, hierarchical and societal norms of the time, and help todays world to understand what it was like to live in Ancient Egypt at the time.

Explain the purpose of the rooms in Tutankhamun's Tomb.

Antechamber

The first room entered, containing various objects for the afterlife

Burial chamber

Held the sarcophagus and the pharaoh's mummy

Treasury

Stored valuable objects and ritual items

Annex

Contained additional storage for various goods

What does the evidence reveal about the condition of Tutankhamun's remains?

That the mummy was poorly preserved, likely due to the haste of the burial and the use of flammable embalming oils. Also X-rays and CT scans have revealed fractures, suggesting possible injuries or illnesses.

Explain what sources from the tomb of Tutankhamun reveal about the nature of mummification in Ancient Egypt.

Canopic jars

Held the pharaoh's internal organs, showing the importance of preserving the body for the afterlife

Natron

A natural salt used to dehydrate the body

Bandages and amulets

Used to wrap and protect the body

Using sources from Tutankhamun's tomb, explain the funerary beliefs and practices of the Ancient Egyptians.

Belief in the afterlife

The tomb was filled with objects the pharaoh would need in the afterlife

Importance of preservation

Mummification and the provision of food and drink ensured the pharaoh's survival in the afterlife

Royal power

The wealth and grandeur of the tomb reflected the pharaoh's divine status

What do wall paintings reveal about funerary customs and burial practices in Ancient Egypt?

Depict scenes of the pharaoh's journey to the afterlife
Show the weighing of the heart ceremony, where the pharaoh's heart was judged against the feather of truth
Illustrate the provision of offerings and the performance of rituals