testimnium
A testimnium is a type of archaeological feature or artifact that provides evidence for past human activity. The term is broad and can encompass a wide range of findings. These can include physical remains such as tools, pottery, structures, or even human or animal bones, all of which offer insights into the lives and behaviors of ancient populations. Testimnia also extend to environmental evidence that has been altered by human action, such as pollen samples indicating agricultural practices or changes in soil composition due to land use.
The interpretation of testimnia is a core practice in archaeology. Researchers analyze these remains to reconstruct