Chapter 1: Introduction to Arch.

Principle Terms:

  • Middens - Trash pits or trash accumulations that give information on environment
  • Pre-History - Refers to the time before written records
  • Eco-Tourism - The combination of tourism and natural resources
  • Context - The place in space and time an item existed
  • Modern Archaeology - The systematic study of humanity in the past
  • The 1950s - Environmental Archaeology was created and popularized

Types of Archaeologists:

  • Classical Archaeologist
    • Study written documents
    • Study Greek, Roman, and Egyptian times
  • Historical Archaeologist
    • Study Medieval Europe, Spanish Missions, and Colonial Times
  • Underwater Archaeologist
    • Study artifacts primarily found underwater
  • Prehistoric Archaeologist
    • Study 99% of human history
    • Do not use written documents
    • Research ancient technologies
    • Must be specialized since they study the largest time span

Key Questions:

  • What do archaeologists refer to as “The Curse of Archaeology?”
    • Treasure Hunters & Collectors
  • How do Treasure Hunters and Collectors negatively affect archeological sites?
    • They dig up and steal buried artifacts
  • What causes the destruction of archaeological sites?
    • Tourists, Treasure Hunter, Natural Disasters, Construction, Weather
  • How much of human history is considered a part of pre-history
    • 99% of human history