Archéológia

Archéológia is the scientific study of past human life and activities by the excavation of the sites and the analysis of the physical remains. It is a subfield of anthropology that seeks to understand human history and prehistory through material culture. Archaeologists investigate a wide range of human societies, from early hominins to more recent historical periods, examining everything from stone tools and pottery to buildings and burial sites.

The discipline relies on careful excavation and documentation. Archaeologists meticulously record the location of artifacts and features, as well as their stratigraphic context, which is the layering of soil and debris. This contextual information is crucial for dating sites and understanding the relationships between different objects and events. Dating methods include relative dating, which establishes the chronological order of events, and absolute dating techniques, such as radiocarbon dating and dendrochronology, which provide numerical ages.

Analysis of excavated materials involves various scientific techniques. Artifacts are studied for their form, function, and material composition. Environmental archaeology examines ecological data to reconstruct past landscapes and human interactions with their environment. Bioarchaeology focuses on human and animal remains to understand diet, health, and social practices. The ultimate goal of archéológia is to reconstruct past lifeways, understand cultural change, and contribute to our knowledge of human evolution and diversity.