Challenges and Methods of Archeology: Essay Sample

Introduction

Archeology studies human behavior and history through the analysis and recovery of cultural and environmental data. This field covers a range of disciplines including history, linguistics and art history. Archeology is an important and unique field of scientific inquiry, which can reveal much about human societies. Archeologists can learn more about the past by studying artifacts and sites as well as cultural landscapes. This paper will discuss the history and methods of archeology as well as the current challenges.

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Archeology: History

Archeology has a rich and long history. Evidence of archeology being practiced since the late 19th Century is evidence. Augustus Pitt Rivers, a British antiquarian, published a book about archeology in 1845. This was the first time the term "archeology” was used. As scholars like Arthur Evans and Heinrich Schliemann began to analyze and uncover ancient sites and artifacts, the field of archeology began to emerge in the early 20th-century. Radiocarbon dating was developed in the middle of the 20th century and made it possible to date artifacts accurately. Archeology has been a growing field of scientific inquiry. Researchers are now studying artifacts and sites from all over the globe.

Methods of Archeology

Archeology is multifaceted and requires archeologists to use many methods to analyze and uncover artifacts. Fieldwork is one of the most popular methods used by archeologists to survey and excavate archaeological sites in order to find artifacts or other evidence. To analyze artifacts discovered by archeologists, they use a range of laboratory techniques, including chemical, physical, and microscopic, and remote sensing. Archeologists use these methods in addition to archival research to find primary and secondary sources for the artifacts and sites they are investigating.

Challenges Facing Archeology

Both in terms of methods and ethical implications, archeology is faced with many challenges. The destruction of archaeological sites through development and looting is a major challenge. The destruction of sites due to natural disasters is also a concern. The ethical implications of archeology remain a concern. Archeologists must take into account the rights of native populations when excavating or studying sites. Archeologists must also learn how to effectively use new technologies and techniques.

Conclusion

Archeology is a vital field of scientific research that can reveal much about the past. Archeologists gain insights into human history by studying artifacts and sites as well as cultural landscapes. Archeology is a complex field with many methods. It is important to consider the ethical implications. Despite these difficulties, archeology is still an important field in scientific inquiry that can help us better understand our past as well as our present.