Archaeozoology, also known as zooarchaeology, is the scientific study of animal remains, primarily bones, from archaeological sites.
By analyzing...
Alidade
An alidade is a surveying instrument used to measure angles and distances, historically employed to create detailed topographic maps and top...
Anthro
Anthro, a shortened form of 'anthropology,' refers to anything related to humans, encompassing their physical and cultural development, as well as...
Acropolis
An acropolis, derived from the Greek words 'akron' meaning 'highest point' and 'polis' meaning 'city,' is a fortified citadel typically situated on a...
Association
Association, in the context of archaeology, refers to the spatial relationship between artifacts within a specific archaeological context.
This...
Archaeology
Archaeology, the scientific exploration of the human past, involves the excavation and analysis of material remains to reconstruct the history,...
Aristocracy
An aristocracy, a system of government dominated by a privileged class of nobility, has historically shaped the course of many civilizations,...
Artifact
An artifact, a tangible object shaped by human hands, serves as a tangible link to the past, offering valuable insights into the lives, cultures, and...
Aerial Photography
Aerial photography has revolutionized the field of archaeology by providing a unique bird's-eye view of landscapes and archaeological sites.
This...
Acheulean
The Acheulean is a significant chapter in the story of human technological evolution, spanning a vast period from approximately 1.6 million to...
Agora
The agora, a vibrant heart of ancient Greek cities, was a public space that served as a marketplace, political forum, religious center, and social...
Archaic
The term 'archaic' in archaeology often refers to an early period in a culture's history, characterized by distinct technological, social, and...
Assemblage
An assemblage, a collection of artifacts found together in a specific archaeological context, provides a snapshot of past human activity, offering...
Anthropology
Anthropology, the comprehensive study of humankind, delves into the intricate tapestry of human existence, encompassing our biological evolution,...
Amphora
The amphora, a distinctive two-handled pottery jar with a narrow neck, is a ubiquitous artifact in the archaeological record of ancient Greece and...
AMS
Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) is a sophisticated technique that enables precise radiocarbon dating, providing archaeologists with a powerful...
Absolute Dating
Absolute dating is a crucial technique in archaeology that allows researchers to assign specific dates or date ranges, in calendar years, to...
Alloy
Alloy, a combination of two or more elements, primarily metals, is a material that often surpasses the properties of its constituent elements,...
Archaeoastronomy
Archaeoastronomy, a fascinating interdisciplinary field, explores the celestial knowledge and practices of ancient civilizations, revealing the...
Alluvial Deposit
Alluvial deposits, formed by the accumulation of sediment carried by flowing water, have played a crucial role in shaping landscapes and supporting...
Aerial Reconnaissance
Aerial reconnaissance is a vital technique in archaeological research, involving the systematic observation of landscapes from the air to identify...
Antiquarians
Antiquarians, the curious minds of bygone eras, were individuals fascinated by the artifacts and relics of past civilizations, often collecting and...
A.D.
Anno Domini (A.D.) is a Latin phrase meaning 'in the year of our Lord.' It's used to denote years after the traditionally recognized year of Jesus...
B.P.
B.P., an abbreviation for 'Before Present,' is a chronological system used to denote time periods prior to a specific reference point, typically...
B.C.
B.C., an abbreviation for 'Before Christ,' is a chronological system used to designate years prior to the traditionally recognized birth year of...
Bulbar Depression
A bulbar depression, a distinctive mark left on a core after a flake has been removed, provides valuable insights into the techniques and skills...
Back Dirt
Back dirt, the excavated material removed from an archaeological site, is typically discarded after being sifted for artifacts.
This material,...
Bronze Age
The Bronze Age, a significant period in human history, is characterized by the widespread use of bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, for creating...
Boat Graves
Boat graves, a unique type of burial practice, involve placing a body or cremated remains within a boat and then interring the vessel in the...
Balk
A balk, a vertical wall of earth left standing between excavation units, is a crucial tool in archaeological excavation, serving to maintain...
Benchmark
A benchmark, a fixed point of known elevation, serves as a reference point for measuring vertical distances during archaeological excavations.
By...
Biface Tools
Biface tools, characterized by their distinctive shape and the deliberate flaking on both sides, represent a significant advancement in early human...
B.C.E.
B.C.E., an abbreviation for 'Before Common Era,' is a secular system of chronological notation used to designate years prior to the beginning of the...
Context
Context, the spatial and temporal relationship of an artifact or feature within an archaeological site, is a fundamental concept in archaeological...
Core
A core, a fundamental element in lithic technology, is a piece of stone from which flakes are removed to create tools.
By understanding the...
Classical Period
The Classical Period in ancient Greece, spanning the 5th and 4th centuries BCE, represents a pinnacle of human achievement in art, architecture,...
Corinthian Column
The Corinthian column, a magnificent architectural element, is renowned for its ornate and elegant design.
As one of the three principal orders of...
Canopic Jar
Canopic jars, iconic artifacts of ancient Egyptian funerary practices, were used to store the internal organs of mummified individuals, ensuring...
Contract Archaeology
Contract archaeology, a specialized field within archaeology, involves conducting archaeological research and excavation under contractual agreements...
Coprolites
Coprolites, fossilized feces, offer a unique window into the past, providing valuable insights into the diet, health, and behavior of ancient...
Colonial Archaeology
Colonial archaeology, a specialized field within historical archaeology, focuses on the material culture and historical processes associated with...
Cuneiform
Cuneiform, one of the earliest writing systems known to humans, emerged in ancient Mesopotamia around 5,000 years ago.
This ingenious system...
Cortex
Cortex, in archaeological terms, refers to the outer layer of a stone tool or core. It's the original, natural surface of the stone before it has...
Conchoidal
Conchoidal fracture is a distinctive characteristic of certain types of stone, such as flint, chert, and obsidian.
When these materials are struck...
Ceramics
Ceramics, objects crafted from clay and hardened through firing, have been an integral part of human history, providing essential tools, vessels, and...
Clovis Point
Clovis points, distinctive stone tools characterized by their fluted design, are a hallmark of the Clovis culture, a prehistoric culture that...
Column
A column, an upright pillar with a base and a capital, is a fundamental architectural element that has been used for centuries to support structures...
Cultural Resource Management
Cultural Resource Management (CRM) is a specialized field that focuses on the identification, evaluation, and protection of cultural resources,...
Collectors
Collectors, individuals who acquire archaeological artifacts for personal collections, play a complex role in the preservation and understanding of...
Cardinal Directions
Cardinal directions, the fundamental orientations of North, South, East, and West, have been essential for human navigation and understanding of...
Clan
A clan, a social group composed of individuals who claim common ancestry, has been a fundamental unit of social organization in many cultures...
Citadel
A citadel, a fortified stronghold within or near a city, has historically served as a symbol of power, defense, and prestige.
These imposing...
Chert
Chert, a durable and versatile sedimentary rock, has been a prized material for toolmaking throughout human history. Its fine-grained structure and...
City-State
A city-state, a self-governing city that exercises political control over its surrounding territory, has been a significant form of political...
Classic Period
The Classic Period, a significant era in the history of Mesoamerica and the Andean region, marked a period of remarkable cultural, political, and...
Culture
Culture, the intricate web of shared beliefs, values, customs, and behaviors, shapes human societies and influences the material world we...
Carbon Dating
Carbon dating, a powerful technique in archaeology, allows scientists to determine the age of organic materials by measuring the decay of carbon-14,...
C.E.
C.E., an abbreviation for 'Common Era,' is a secular system of chronological notation used to designate years following the beginning of the Common...
Conservation
Conservation archaeology, a vital aspect of archaeological practice, focuses on the preservation and protection of cultural heritage.
By employing...
Cache
A cache, a deliberate stash of objects buried for safekeeping, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, providing valuable insights into the...
Chipped Stone Tools
Chipped stone tools, crafted through the deliberate removal of flakes from a core, represent a significant milestone in human technological...
Classical Age
The Classical Age, a period of remarkable cultural, philosophical, and artistic achievement, encompasses the flourishing of Greek and Roman...
Classical Archaeology
Classical Archaeology, a specialized field within archaeology, focuses on the study of the material culture and history of the Classical Age, a...
Doric Column
A Doric column is a type of classical Greek column known for its simple, robust design, characterized by a tapering shaft, fluted grooves, a plain...
Datum Point
A datum point, a fixed reference point with a known elevation, is essential for precise measurements and mapping in archaeological excavations.
By...
Diffusion
Diffusion in archaeology refers to the spread of ideas, technologies, or materials from one culture or area to another, shaping the development of...
Debitage
Debitage refers to the small fragments of stone that are left behind as waste during the creation of stone tools, offering essential insights into...
Dendrochronology
Dendrochronology is an absolute dating technique that determines the age of wood by analyzing the unique patterns of tree rings formed...
Electrical Resistivity
Electrical resistivity is a remote sensing technique used in archaeology to detect underground features by measuring variations in electrical flow...
Experimental Archaeology
Experimental archaeology is a branch of archaeology that investigates ancient technologies and practices by recreating them.
This approach...
Ecofacts
Ecofacts are naturally occurring materials found at archaeological sites that hold cultural significance, even though they were not created or...
Ethnography
Ethnography is a branch of anthropology focused on studying and describing contemporary human cultures through close observation and...
Epigrapher
An epigrapher is a specialist who studies ancient inscriptions to interpret the writings, languages, and symbols used by past civilizations.
Their...
Excavation
Excavation is the process of carefully digging and recording archaeological sites to uncover and document artifacts, features, and other cultural...
Egyptology
Egyptology is a specialized branch of archaeology focused on the study of ancient Egyptian civilization. It explores Egypt’s history, culture,...
Flexed Burial
A flexed burial refers to a burial practice where the deceased is placed in a fetal position, curled on its side with arms and legs drawn close to...
Flake
In archaeology, a 'flake' refers to a piece of stone that has been struck from a larger core, either for use as a tool or as waste material known as...
Feminist Archaeology
Feminist archaeology is a branch of archaeology that aims to uncover and analyze the social roles and contributions of women in past...
Fabric
In archaeology, 'fabric' refers to the specific composition and characteristics of the clay used to create ceramic artifacts, including pots,...
Field Notes
Field notes are detailed, written records made by archaeologists during ongoing research and excavations. These notes capture observations,...
Flotation
Flotation is an archaeological technique that involves soaking excavated soil or dirt in water to separate and retrieve small ecofacts and artifacts...
Feature
In archaeology, a 'feature' is any permanent structure or physical alteration in the landscape made or modified by humans, essential for...
Formation Pprocess
Formation processes refer to the human-caused or natural changes that modify an archaeological site during and after its occupation.
These...
Flint
Flint is a hard, fine-grained sedimentary rock extensively used by early humans to craft a variety of stone tools, including spear points, knives,...
Geoarchaeology
Geoarchaeology is the branch of archaeology that applies the methods and concepts of earth sciences to understand archaeological sites.
This...
Global Positioning System
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a tool that determines the location of archaeological features by using data from satellites orbiting the...
Ground Reconnaissance
Ground reconnaissance is the process of searching for archaeological sites through visual inspection of the surface while physically on the...
GIS
GIS, or Geographic Information Systems, refers to software tools that help archaeologists organize, analyze, and display geographic and locational...
Grid
A grid is a network of squares used to divide a site or excavation area into manageable units for systematic digging and recording.
This method...
Ground-Penetrating Radar
Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is an instrument used to detect subsurface anomalies, such as archaeological features, by recording the differential...
Glaze
A glaze is a special slip applied to pottery that, when fired, creates an impermeable, glossy surface. This technique is used to enhance the...
Grave Goods
Grave goods are objects placed within human burials to accompany the deceased, often intended to equip them for the afterlife or to mark their...
Hunter-Gatherers
Hunter-gatherers are communities that sustain themselves primarily through hunting wild animals and gathering plants from their environment. These...
Hominid
The term 'hominid' was once used to describe early humans, but its meaning has evolved over time. Today, it refers to the entire family of great apes...
Harris Matrix
The Harris Matrix is a tool developed by Dr. Edward C. Harris in 1973 to simplify the representation and interpretation of stratigraphy at...
Hieroglyphs
Hieroglyphs are an ancient writing system made up of pictographic or ideographic symbols used to represent words, sounds, or ideas.
This system...
Hominin
Hominin refers to early human or pre-human species, characterized primarily by bipedalism, which sets them apart from other primates.
Today, the...
Historical Archaeology
Historical archaeology is a discipline focused on using archaeological methods to supplement written history and create a more comprehensive...
Hellenistic Period
The Hellenistic period refers to the era between the death of Alexander the Great in 323 B.C.E. and the rise of the Roman Empire in 27 B.C.E., marked...
Half-Life
Half-life is the time required for half of a radioactive isotope to decay and transform into a stable element.
This predictable decay rate is a...
Household Archaeology
Household archaeology is a branch of archaeology that focuses on studying the material culture and daily activities associated with ancient...
Hypostyle
Hypostyle refers to a type of architectural design where a roof or ceiling is supported by rows of columns. This design was commonly used in ancient...
Iron Age
The Iron Age is the prehistoric period that succeeded the Bronze Age, marked by the widespread use of iron tools and weapons. This era saw a...
Ideogram
An ideogram is a pictorial symbol used to represent a concept or idea rather than a specific word or sound.
This form of writing is used in...
Iconography
Iconography refers to the use of symbolic pictures, images, or figures to represent a subject, theme, or concept.
This system of visual...
Inorganic
Inorganic refers to materials composed of substances that are not derived from living organisms or once-living matter. These materials are typically...
Ionic Column
An Ionic column is a type of classical column characterized by its decorative capital, which features spiral coils on each side. This style is...
In Situ
'In situ' refers to an object or feature that is found in its original or natural position, undisturbed from its original context. This term is...
Jet Beads
Jet beads are ornaments made from jet, a black, lustrous coal that has been used for thousands of years.
These beads were prized for their...
Junk
A junk is a traditional Chinese sailing vessel widely used for trade, fishing, and transportation. Known for its distinctive structure and efficient...
Joint of Articulation
A joint of articulation is the point where two bones meet, forming a joint, and the study of these can reveal valuable insights about an...
Jasperware
Jasperware is a type of ceramic developed by English potter Josiah Wedgwood in the 18th century, known for its matte, stone-like surface and...
Jomon Period
The Jomon period is a prehistoric era in Japan marked by the production of unique pottery with cord-marked and incised designs.
Known for its...
Jasper
Jasper is a type of opaque quartz known for its vibrant colors and patterns, often used historically as a gemstone and in ornamental...
Jomon Pottery
Jomon pottery refers to the distinctive style of ceramic vessels produced by the Jomon people of prehistoric Japan, characterized by unique...
Jomon Culture
Jomon culture refers to a prehistoric period in Japan, marked by distinctive pottery and a hunter-gatherer lifestyle.
This culture, which spanned...
Jurassic Park
Jurassic Park is a popular science fiction series centered on the concept of cloning dinosaurs from preserved DNA, brought to life through both...
Jade
Jade is a gemstone highly prized in ancient cultures for its beauty, durability, and symbolic significance.
It was used extensively to create...
Jasperoid
Jasperoid refers to a type of rock that has been altered by hydrothermal fluids, leading to the formation of jasper.
This alteration process...
Joint Artifact
A joint artifact is an object made up of two or more pieces that were originally joined together. These artifacts can provide valuable information...
Jet
Jet is a type of black, lustrous coal that has been used throughout history to create jewelry and decorative objects. Known for its deep black color...
Jericho
Jericho, located in the West Bank, is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with evidence of human settlement dating back over...
Jute
Jute is a natural fiber obtained from plants of the genus Corchorus. commonly used to make textiles, ropes, and other products.
It has been an...
Jewelry
Jewelry refers to ornaments like necklaces, bracelets, rings, and other decorative items, typically made from metals, stones, and other precious...
Jug
A jug is a large container with a narrow neck and a wide body, used primarily for storing and pouring liquids. Archaeologically, jugs are significant...
Jebel
Jebel is an Arabic term that translates to 'mountain' or 'hill' and is commonly used in archaeological site names, particularly across the Middle...
Jurassic Period
The Jurassic Period was a geological period in the Mesozoic Era, marked by the dominance and diversification of dinosaurs.
Lasting from...
Knapping
Knapping is the technique of making stone tools by striking flakes from a core using a hard or soft percussion tool. This process, also known as...
Locus
Locus refers to a specific point in space or a defined unit within an archaeological excavation. It is used to describe discrete contexts or layers...
Levallois Technique
The Levallois technique is a prehistoric stone tool-making method that dates back around 200,000 years.
It involves preparing a core in a specific...
Looter
A looter is an individual who illegally excavates archaeological sites to extract valuable artifacts for personal profit.
This destructive...
Linear B
Linear B is a syllabic script used by the Mycenaeans around the 13th century BCE, primarily for writing Mycenaean Greek. It is most famously found on...
Lintel
A lintel is a horizontal beam or block placed across the top of a doorway or opening in a structure. It serves as a support for the weight of the...
Lithic
Lithic refers to anything related to or made from stone, commonly used in archaeology to describe stone tools or artifacts.
These tools, made by...
Law of Superposition
The Law of Superposition is a fundamental principle in geology and archaeology that asserts the deeper layers of sediment or strata are older than...
Linear A
Linear A is an ancient writing system used by the Minoan civilization on Crete between the 18th and 15th centuries BCE.
Despite numerous efforts,...
LiDAR
LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing technology that uses laser beams to map surfaces with high precision.
It works by...
Mousterian
The Mousterian refers to a specific stone-tool industry associated with Neanderthals in Europe, known for its distinctive flake-based tools.
This...
Medieval Archaeology
Medieval Archaeology focuses on studying the material culture and remains of the medieval period in Europe, specifically between the 11th and 14th...
Midden
A midden is a deposit of refuse or waste materials, such as shells, bones, or pottery fragments, that accumulate near human habitation...
Magnetometry
Magnetometry is a geophysical survey technique that uses magnetic fields to detect subsurface anomalies, helping archaeologists identify potential...
Material Culture
Material culture refers to the physical objects, artifacts, and structures that humans have created or used throughout history. These tangible items...
Microlith
A microlith is a small, flaked stone tool typically measuring between 1 to 4 centimeters in length. These tools were commonly used during the...
Mesolithic
The Mesolithic is a transitional period between the Paleolithic and Neolithic Ages, marking a shift in human lifestyle and adaptation.
This phase,...
Matrix
Matrix refers to the physical material, such as soil or sediment, that surrounds and supports archaeological artifacts. This substance plays a...
Neolithic
The Neolithic period marks the latter part of the Stone Age, beginning around 10,000 B.C.E., characterized by the transition from hunting-gathering...
Nomads
Nomads are groups that move across territories seasonally to access food, water, and grazing grounds for livestock.
Their way of life is typically...
New World
The term 'New World' refers to the Americas, including North, Central, and South America, as well as surrounding islands, as encountered by European...
Oldowan
The Oldowan industry is the earliest known stone tool tradition, dating from roughly 2.6 million to 1.5 million years ago.
This tool-making method...
Old World
The term “Old World” refers to the regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa, known to Europeans prior to contact with the Americas.
These lands are...
Organic
Organic materials in archaeology refer to substances derived from living organisms, such as plant, animal, and human remains.
These materials...
Osteology
Osteology, the study of bones, is a crucial field within archaeology and anthropology that helps reveal information about ancient humans and...
Obsidian
Obsidian is a volcanic rock with a glassy texture, often black, that was prized in ancient times for producing extremely sharp blades.
Due to its...
Oligarchy
An oligarchy is a form of government where power is held by a small, privileged group, typically wealthy, upper-class families.
This governing...
Paleobotany
Paleobotany, or the study of ancient plants, provides insights into past environments, climate, and human-plant interactions.
By examining...
Paleontology
Paleontology is the scientific study of past life forms through the examination of fossils, encompassing plants, animals, and other organisms.
By...
Pithoi
A pithos is a large Greek storage pot traditionally used for keeping provisions, often crafted from clay and characterized by its size and...
Pressure Flaking
Pressure flaking is a technique used in stone tool-making where controlled pressure is applied to carefully detach small flakes from a core, creating...
Profile Drawing
A profile drawing is a drawn representation of the walls of an excavation unit, showing the exposed stratigraphy as if viewed directly from the...
Paleolithic
The Paleolithic period, or Old Stone Age, marks the earliest stage of human technological and cultural development, starting around 750,000 years...
Pedology
Pedology is the scientific study of soils, focusing on their formation, classification, and mapping. This branch of science is essential to...
Pictogram
A pictogram is a picture or symbol that represents a word, phrase, or concept in visual form. Used since ancient times, pictograms are among the...
Primary Context
Primary context refers to the original, undisturbed placement of an artifact, feature, or site as it was left by past human activity.
This context...
Papyrus
Papyrus is a plant native to the Mediterranean and northern African regions, especially Egypt, historically used to make an early form of...
Provenience
Provenience refers to the precise, three-dimensional location of an archaeological find, encompassing its geographical and spatial context to reveal...
Provenance
Provenance refers to the origin and history of ownership of an archaeological or historical object, detailing its journey from creation to the...
Prehistory
Prehistory refers to the period of human history before the advent of written records, encompassing the earliest phases of human cultural and...
Palynology
Palynology is the study of ancient pollen grains, which reveals information about past climates, vegetation, and human diets.
By analyzing...
Profile
A profile, or cross-section, in archaeology is the exposed view of an excavation’s walls, offering a vertical snapshot of soil layers, features,...
Petrology
Petrology is the geological and chemical study of rocks, focusing on their origin, composition, and structure.
In archaeology, petrology provides...
Plane Table
A plane table is a surveying tool that consists of a horizontal board mounted on a tripod, used for creating maps and plans directly in the...
Polis
A polis is an ancient Greek city-state, a political and social structure that became a defining feature of Greek civilization.
Each polis...
Quaternary Era
The Quaternary Era is the most recent geological era, spanning from about 2.6 million years ago to the present.
It includes the Pleistocene and...
Quarry Pit
A quarry pit is a depression in the ground formed by the extraction of stone or other materials. These pits are created when people dig into the...
Quartzite
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock formed from quartz sandstone, often used for making tools and weapons in prehistoric times. Its durability and...
Quaternary Period
The Quaternary Period is the most recent geological period, lasting from 2.6 million years ago to the present day.
This period is significant...
Quipu
Quipu was an ancient Inca system of knotted cords used for record-keeping, accounting, and communication. This innovative method allowed the Incas to...
Quonset Hut
A Quonset hut is a prefabricated building structure with a distinctive semicircular design, often used for temporary housing or...
Quartz
Quartz is a common mineral composed of silicon dioxide, widely used in the production of stone tools. Its durability and availability made it a key...
Qumran
Qumran is an archaeological site near the Dead Sea, known for its connection to the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
These ancient texts, found...
Quarry
A quarry is a site where stone, such as flint or obsidian, is extracted for toolmaking or construction. These locations were essential for early...
Remote Sensing
Remote sensing is a non-intrusive survey method used in archaeology to find and study archaeological sites without excavation.
It includes a range...
Radiocarbon Dating
Radiocarbon dating is an absolute dating technique used to determine the age of organic materials that are less than 50,000 years old.
It works by...
Rescue Archaeology
Rescue archaeology, also known as salvage archaeology, involves the swift excavation and recovery of artifacts from archaeological sites that are in...
Reconnaissance
Reconnaissance is a method used to gather data in archaeology by identifying and mapping archaeological remains, often through surface...
Radiometric Dating
Radiometric dating is a technique used to determine the age of rocks, fossils, and other materials by measuring the rate at which an unstable...
Relative Dating
Relative dating is a method used by archaeologists to date archaeological remains and strata in relation to one another.
It helps establish the...
Style
Style in archaeology refers to the distinctive characteristics of appearance used to classify and group objects.
These features can help...
Site
A site is any location where human material remains are discovered, representing an area of past human activity.
These sites can range from small,...
Slip
Slip is a dilute clay solution used to coat pottery, often applied for decorative purposes. This technique enhances the surface of ceramics, creating...
Stylus
A stylus is a pointed tool used for writing or inscribing, particularly in ancient times. It was commonly employed in the creation of cuneiform...
Stone Age
The Stone Age is a period in prehistory when humans primarily used stone to make tools and weapons. This era is divided into three major phases: the...
Secondary Context
Secondary context refers to the condition of an artifact that has been altered or displaced from its original position due to various site formation...
Shaman
A shaman is a specialist in certain societies who acts as a mediator between the visible world and the spirit world, often using magic or sorcery for...
Stratigraphy
Stratigraphy is the study of the layers, or strata, of sediments, soils, and material culture found at an archaeological site.
This method helps...
Salvage Archaeology
Salvage archaeology, also known as rescue archaeology, refers to the quick excavation and recovery of archaeological sites at risk of destruction due...
Sediments
Sediments are soils that have been transported from their original location and accumulated in a new area over time.
They are often formed by...
Surface Survey
Surface survey is the method of searching for archaeological remains by physically examining the landscape, usually on foot.
It involves...
Stela
A stela, or stele, is a stone slab or column that is often decorated with carvings or inscriptions, serving ceremonial or historical...
Soil
Soils are deposits that form in place from the weathering of parent material, such as rocks or organic matter. They are a key element in...
Scanning Electron Microscope
Scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) are powerful tools used in archaeology to create highly magnified, detailed images of archaeological objects by...
Settlement Pattern
Settlement pattern refers to the distribution and arrangement of human settlements across a landscape. It reflects how people chose locations for...
Seriation
Seriation is the process of organizing artifacts, monuments, types, and styles into groups that reflect chronological change.
It is based on the...
Sherd
A sherd is a term used to describe a fragment or piece of broken pottery found in an archaeological context.
Sherds are often key to understanding...
Square
A square in archaeology refers to a subdivision of a site or excavation unit, often used to organize and manage the excavation process.
These...
Thermoluminescence
Thermoluminescence (TL) is a radiometric dating method that measures the light energy released when heating pottery or sediment samples to determine...
Trench
A trench is an excavation unit used in archaeology, typically longer than it is wide, designed for digging through multiple layers of soil.
This...
Typology
Typology is the study and classification of artifacts into distinct types based on shared characteristics. It helps archaeologists organize and...
Type
In archaeology, a type refers to a grouping of artifacts that are identified as distinct or used for comparison with other groups.
This...
Temper
Temper is a coarse material like sand, crushed shells, or other minerals added to clay to improve its workability and durability in...
Tufa
Tufa is a type of solidified volcanic ash, often referred to as tuff, that is commonly found in archaeological sites.
This rock material forms...
Test Pit
A test pit is a small excavation unit used during preliminary investigations to assess what lies beneath the surface of a site.
Archaeologists dig...
Terminus Ante Quem
Terminus ante quem, meaning “date before which,” is a concept used in archaeology to establish the latest possible date something was constructed...
Tumulus
A tumulus is a large, earthen mound constructed above a tomb or grave, often used in ancient burial practices.
These mounds are typically created...
Total Station
A total station is a sophisticated surveying instrument combining a transit with an electronic distance measuring device, used to calculate angles...
Tree Rings
Tree rings are growth rings formed annually in a tree’s trunk, each ring often reflecting environmental conditions during that year.
By studying...
Transit
A transit is a surveying instrument essential for measuring vertical and horizontal angles and distances accurately at archaeological sites.
This...
Tell
A tell, also spelled “tel,” is a mound created from the layered remains of ancient settlements, commonly found in the Middle East.
These...
Terminus Post Quem
Terminus post quem, meaning “date after which,” is an archaeological term that identifies the earliest possible date something could have been...
Three Age System
The Three Age System is a chronological framework dividing prehistory into the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages, based on materials used for tools and...
Underwater Archaeology
Underwater archaeology is the study of archaeological sites, shipwrecks, and artifacts that are located beneath the surface of bodies of...
Uniface Tools
Uniface tools are tools or points that have been worked or knapped on only one side or face. These tools are often made from stone and are typically...
Use-wear Analysis
Use-wear analysis is a method of studying artifacts to identify wear patterns or damage that reveal how the item was used. By examining these...
Varves
Varves are annual layers of clay or silt that accumulate in bodies of water, typically formed by the retreat of glaciers.
These layers are...
Ware
Ware refers to different types of ceramics, categorized based on their function, appearance, style, or fabric. These classifications help...
Zone
A zone in archaeology refers to a specific stratigraphic level within an excavation that is distinguished by distinct characteristics of soil,...
Ziggurat
A ziggurat is a rectangular, tiered structure commonly found in ancient Mesopotamia, which served as a platform for temples.
These impressive...