Archaeology Dictionary

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Archaeology

Archaeology, the scientific exploration of the human past, involves the excavation and analysis of material remains to reconstruct the history,...

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...

Antiquarians

Antiquarians, the curious minds of bygone eras, were individuals fascinated by the artifacts and relics of past civilizations, often collecting and...

Anthro

Anthro, a shortened form of 'anthropology,' refers to anything related to humans, encompassing their physical and cultural development, as well as...

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...

Alidade

An alidade is a surveying instrument used to measure angles and distances, historically employed to create detailed topographic maps and top...

Anthropology

Anthropology, the comprehensive study of humankind, delves into the intricate tapestry of human existence, encompassing our biological evolution,...

Aerial Reconnaissance

Aerial reconnaissance is a vital technique in archaeological research, involving the systematic observation of landscapes from the air to identify...

Alluvial Deposit

Alluvial deposits, formed by the accumulation of sediment carried by flowing water, have played a crucial role in shaping landscapes and supporting...

Assemblage

An assemblage, a collection of artifacts found together in a specific archaeological context, provides a snapshot of past human activity, offering...

Archaeoastronomy

Archaeoastronomy, a fascinating interdisciplinary field, explores the celestial knowledge and practices of ancient civilizations, revealing the...

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...

Acheulean

The Acheulean is a significant chapter in the story of human technological evolution, spanning a vast period from approximately 1.6 million to...

Aristocracy

An aristocracy, a system of government dominated by a privileged class of nobility, has historically shaped the course of many civilizations,...

Alloy

Alloy, a combination of two or more elements, primarily metals, is a material that often surpasses the properties of its constituent elements,...

AMS

Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) is a sophisticated technique that enables precise radiocarbon dating, providing archaeologists with a powerful...

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...

Association

Association, in the context of archaeology, refers to the spatial relationship between artifacts within a specific archaeological context. This...

Archaeozoology

Archaeozoology, also known as zooarchaeology, is the scientific study of animal remains, primarily bones, from archaeological sites. By analyzing...

Acropolis

An acropolis, derived from the Greek words 'akron' meaning 'highest point' and 'polis' meaning 'city,' is a fortified citadel typically situated on a...

Absolute Dating

Absolute dating is a crucial technique in archaeology that allows researchers to assign specific dates or date ranges, in calendar years, to...

Aerial Photography

Aerial photography has revolutionized the field of archaeology by providing a unique bird's-eye view of landscapes and archaeological sites. This...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

Chert

Chert, a durable and versatile sedimentary rock, has been a prized material for toolmaking throughout human history. Its fine-grained structure and...

Chipped Stone Tools

Chipped stone tools, crafted through the deliberate removal of flakes from a core, represent a significant milestone in human technological...

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 Age

The Classical Age, a period of remarkable cultural, philosophical, and artistic achievement, encompasses the flourishing of Greek and Roman...

Clovis Point

Clovis points, distinctive stone tools characterized by their fluted design, are a hallmark of the Clovis culture, a prehistoric culture that...

Context

Context, the spatial and temporal relationship of an artifact or feature within an archaeological site, is a fundamental concept in archaeological...

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...

Cultural Resource Management

Cultural Resource Management (CRM) is a specialized field that focuses on the identification, evaluation, and protection of cultural resources,...

Canopic Jar

Canopic jars, iconic artifacts of ancient Egyptian funerary practices, were used to store the internal organs of mummified individuals, ensuring...

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...

Collectors

Collectors, individuals who acquire archaeological artifacts for personal collections, play a complex role in the preservation and understanding of...

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,...

Conservation

Conservation archaeology, a vital aspect of archaeological practice, focuses on the preservation and protection of cultural heritage. By employing...

Clan

A clan, a social group composed of individuals who claim common ancestry, has been a fundamental unit of social organization in many cultures...

Cuneiform

Cuneiform, one of the earliest writing systems known to humans, emerged in ancient Mesopotamia around 5,000 years ago. This ingenious system...

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...

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...

Culture

Culture, the intricate web of shared beliefs, values, customs, and behaviors, shapes human societies and influences the material world we...

Ceramics

Ceramics, objects crafted from clay and hardened through firing, have been an integral part of human history, providing essential tools, vessels, and...

Cardinal Directions

Cardinal directions, the fundamental orientations of North, South, East, and West, have been essential for human navigation and understanding of...

Citadel

A citadel, a fortified stronghold within or near a city, has historically served as a symbol of power, defense, and prestige. These imposing...

Conchoidal

Conchoidal fracture is a distinctive characteristic of certain types of stone, such as flint, chert, and obsidian. When these materials are struck...

City-State

A city-state, a self-governing city that exercises political control over its surrounding territory, has been a significant form of political...

Classical Period

The Classical Period in ancient Greece, spanning the 5th and 4th centuries BCE, represents a pinnacle of human achievement in art, architecture,...

Contract Archaeology

Contract archaeology, a specialized field within archaeology, involves conducting archaeological research and excavation under contractual agreements...

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...

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...

Classical Archaeology

Classical Archaeology, a specialized field within archaeology, focuses on the study of the material culture and history of the Classical Age, a...

Cache

A cache, a deliberate stash of objects buried for safekeeping, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, providing valuable insights into the...

Dendrochronology

Dendrochronology is an absolute dating technique that determines the age of wood by analyzing the unique patterns of tree rings formed...

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...

Diffusion

Diffusion in archaeology refers to the spread of ideas, technologies, or materials from one culture or area to another, shaping the development of...

Datum Point

A datum point, a fixed reference point with a known elevation, is essential for precise measurements and mapping in archaeological excavations. By...

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...

Egyptology

Egyptology is a specialized branch of archaeology focused on the study of ancient Egyptian civilization. It explores Egypt’s history, culture,...

Excavation

Excavation is the process of carefully digging and recording archaeological sites to uncover and document artifacts, features, and other cultural...

Experimental Archaeology

Experimental archaeology is a branch of archaeology that investigates ancient technologies and practices by recreating them. This approach...

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...

Electrical Resistivity

Electrical resistivity is a remote sensing technique used in archaeology to detect underground features by measuring variations in electrical flow...

Ecofacts

Ecofacts are naturally occurring materials found at archaeological sites that hold cultural significance, even though they were not created or...

Formation Pprocess

Formation processes refer to the human-caused or natural changes that modify an archaeological site during and after its occupation. These...

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...

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,...

Feminist Archaeology

Feminist archaeology is a branch of archaeology that aims to uncover and analyze the social roles and contributions of women in past...

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,...

Feature

In archaeology, a 'feature' is any permanent structure or physical alteration in the landscape made or modified by humans, essential for...

Flotation

Flotation is an archaeological technique that involves soaking excavated soil or dirt in water to separate and retrieve small ecofacts and artifacts...

Geoarchaeology

Geoarchaeology is the branch of archaeology that applies the methods and concepts of earth sciences to understand archaeological sites. This...

Ground Reconnaissance

Ground reconnaissance is the process of searching for archaeological sites through visual inspection of the surface while physically on the...

Ground-Penetrating Radar

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is an instrument used to detect subsurface anomalies, such as archaeological features, by recording the differential...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Hunter-Gatherers

Hunter-gatherers are communities that sustain themselves primarily through hunting wild animals and gathering plants from their environment. These...

Hieroglyphs

Hieroglyphs are an ancient writing system made up of pictographic or ideographic symbols used to represent words, sounds, or ideas. This system...

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...

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...

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...

Household Archaeology

Household archaeology is a branch of archaeology that focuses on studying the material culture and daily activities associated with ancient...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Junk

A junk is a traditional Chinese sailing vessel widely used for trade, fishing, and transportation. Known for its distinctive structure and efficient...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Jade

Jade is a gemstone highly prized in ancient cultures for its beauty, durability, and symbolic significance. It was used extensively to create...

Jurassic Period

The Jurassic Period was a geological period in the Mesozoic Era, marked by the dominance and diversification of dinosaurs. Lasting from...

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...

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...

Jasperoid

Jasperoid refers to a type of rock that has been altered by hydrothermal fluids, leading to the formation of jasper. This alteration process...

Jasper

Jasper is a type of opaque quartz known for its vibrant colors and patterns, often used historically as a gemstone and in ornamental...

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...

Jomon Pottery

Jomon pottery refers to the distinctive style of ceramic vessels produced by the Jomon people of prehistoric Japan, characterized by unique...

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...

Jomon Culture

Jomon culture refers to a prehistoric period in Japan, marked by distinctive pottery and a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. This culture, which spanned...

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...

Jebel

Jebel is an Arabic term that translates to 'mountain' or 'hill' and is commonly used in archaeological site names, particularly across the Middle...

Jewelry

Jewelry refers to ornaments like necklaces, bracelets, rings, and other decorative items, typically made from metals, stones, and other precious...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

Looter

A looter is an individual who illegally excavates archaeological sites to extract valuable artifacts for personal profit. This destructive...

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...

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...

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...

Mesolithic

The Mesolithic is a transitional period between the Paleolithic and Neolithic Ages, marking a shift in human lifestyle and adaptation. This phase,...

Magnetometry

Magnetometry is a geophysical survey technique that uses magnetic fields to detect subsurface anomalies, helping archaeologists identify potential...

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...

Medieval Archaeology

Medieval Archaeology focuses on studying the material culture and remains of the medieval period in Europe, specifically between the 11th and 14th...

Matrix

Matrix refers to the physical material, such as soil or sediment, that surrounds and supports archaeological artifacts. This substance plays a...

Mousterian

The Mousterian refers to a specific stone-tool industry associated with Neanderthals in Europe, known for its distinctive flake-based tools. This...

Material Culture

Material culture refers to the physical objects, artifacts, and structures that humans have created or used throughout history. These tangible items...

Midden

A midden is a deposit of refuse or waste materials, such as shells, bones, or pottery fragments, that accumulate near human habitation...

Nomads

Nomads are groups that move across territories seasonally to access food, water, and grazing grounds for livestock. Their way of life is typically...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Osteology

Osteology, the study of bones, is a crucial field within archaeology and anthropology that helps reveal information about ancient humans and...

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...

Oligarchy

An oligarchy is a form of government where power is held by a small, privileged group, typically wealthy, upper-class families. This governing...

Organic

Organic materials in archaeology refer to substances derived from living organisms, such as plant, animal, and human remains. These materials...

Paleolithic

The Paleolithic period, or Old Stone Age, marks the earliest stage of human technological and cultural development, starting around 750,000 years...

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...

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...

Polis

A polis is an ancient Greek city-state, a political and social structure that became a defining feature of Greek civilization. Each polis...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Provenance

Provenance refers to the origin and history of ownership of an archaeological or historical object, detailing its journey from creation to the...

Pedology

Pedology is the scientific study of soils, focusing on their formation, classification, and mapping. This branch of science is essential to...

Pithoi

A pithos is a large Greek storage pot traditionally used for keeping provisions, often crafted from clay and characterized by its size and...

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,...

Palynology

Palynology is the study of ancient pollen grains, which reveals information about past climates, vegetation, and human diets. By analyzing...

Petrology

Petrology is the geological and chemical study of rocks, focusing on their origin, composition, and structure. In archaeology, petrology provides...

Prehistory

Prehistory refers to the period of human history before the advent of written records, encompassing the earliest phases of human cultural and...

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...

Quonset Hut

A Quonset hut is a prefabricated building structure with a distinctive semicircular design, often used for temporary housing or...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Quipu

Quipu was an ancient Inca system of knotted cords used for record-keeping, accounting, and communication. This innovative method allowed the Incas to...

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...

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...

Reconnaissance

Reconnaissance is a method used to gather data in archaeology by identifying and mapping archaeological remains, often through surface...

Rescue Archaeology

Rescue archaeology, also known as salvage archaeology, involves the swift excavation and recovery of artifacts from archaeological sites that are in...

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...

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...

Seriation

Seriation is the process of organizing artifacts, monuments, types, and styles into groups that reflect chronological change. It is based on the...

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...

Stratigraphy

Stratigraphy is the study of the layers, or strata, of sediments, soils, and material culture found at an archaeological site. This method helps...

Scanning Electron Microscope

Scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) are powerful tools used in archaeology to create highly magnified, detailed images of archaeological objects by...

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...

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,...

Settlement Pattern

Settlement pattern refers to the distribution and arrangement of human settlements across a landscape. It reflects how people chose locations for...

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...

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...

Style

Style in archaeology refers to the distinctive characteristics of appearance used to classify and group objects. These features can help...

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...

Salvage Archaeology

Salvage archaeology, also known as rescue archaeology, refers to the quick excavation and recovery of archaeological sites at risk of destruction due...

Surface Survey

Surface survey is the method of searching for archaeological remains by physically examining the landscape, usually on foot. It involves...

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...

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...

Stela

A stela, or stele, is a stone slab or column that is often decorated with carvings or inscriptions, serving ceremonial or historical...

Slip

Slip is a dilute clay solution used to coat pottery, often applied for decorative purposes. This technique enhances the surface of ceramics, creating...

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...

Total Station

A total station is a sophisticated surveying instrument combining a transit with an electronic distance measuring device, used to calculate angles...

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...

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...

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...

Thermoluminescence

Thermoluminescence (TL) is a radiometric dating method that measures the light energy released when heating pottery or sediment samples to determine...

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...

Terminus Post Quem

Terminus post quem, meaning “date after which,” is an archaeological term that identifies the earliest possible date something could have been...

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...

Typology

Typology is the study and classification of artifacts into distinct types based on shared characteristics. It helps archaeologists organize and...

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...

Transit

A transit is a surveying instrument essential for measuring vertical and horizontal angles and distances accurately at archaeological sites. This...

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...

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...

Tell

A tell, also spelled “tel,” is a mound created from the layered remains of ancient settlements, commonly found in the Middle East. These...

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...

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...

Underwater Archaeology

Underwater archaeology is the study of archaeological sites, shipwrecks, and artifacts that are located beneath the surface of bodies of...

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...