Prehistoric archaeology

Definition

Prehistoric archaeology is the study of human societies that existed before written records, focusing on material remains to understand cultural practices, social structures, and technological advancements. This branch of archaeology provides insights into early human life through artifacts, features, and ecofacts that reveal how ancient people lived, interacted with their environment, and evolved over time. By examining the past through a scientific lens, prehistoric archaeology helps reconstruct the narrative of human development prior to historical documentation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Prehistoric archaeology typically covers periods such as the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic eras, marking key stages in human development.
2. Methods used in prehistoric archaeology include excavation, analysis of artifacts and ecofacts, and radiocarbon dating to determine the age of findings.
3. Key discoveries in prehistoric archaeology include cave paintings, burial sites, and ancient tools that illustrate early human creativity and survival skills.
4. Prehistoric archaeologists often work closely with anthropologists to understand the cultural context of their findings and how they relate to human behavior.
5. The transition from nomadic hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities during the Neolithic period is a significant focus within prehistoric archaeology.

Review Questions

• How does prehistoric archaeology differ from historical archaeology in terms of methods and types of evidence?
  • Prehistoric archaeology primarily relies on material remains like artifacts and ecofacts since there are no written records available for study. In contrast, historical archaeology combines these materials with written documents to provide a richer understanding of past societies. The methods in prehistoric archaeology focus on excavation techniques and dating processes, while historical archaeology can also utilize archival research to contextualize findings within a broader narrative.
• Evaluate the significance of artifacts in understanding prehistoric cultures and their development over time.
  • Artifacts are crucial for understanding prehistoric cultures as they serve as tangible evidence of human activity and innovation. By analyzing tools, pottery, and decorative items, researchers can infer information about technology, trade networks, social organization, and daily life. This understanding allows archaeologists to track cultural changes over time, such as shifts from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to agricultural practices during the Neolithic period.
• Synthesize how the study of ecofacts complements our understanding of prehistoric human interactions with their environment.
  • The study of ecofacts significantly enhances our understanding of prehistoric human interactions with their environment by providing insights into dietary practices, climate conditions, and ecological changes. By examining plant remains, animal bones, and pollen samples found at archaeological sites, researchers can reconstruct ancient ecosystems and understand how early humans adapted their lifestyles based on environmental availability. This synthesis of data helps paint a comprehensive picture of survival strategies and resource management in prehistoric societies.

Related terms

Artifacts: Objects created or used by humans, such as tools, pottery, and ornaments, that provide valuable information about past cultures and societies.

Ecofacts: Natural remains from the environment, like plant and animal remains, that offer clues about past ecosystems and how humans interacted with their surroundings.

Stratigraphy: The study of rock layers (strata) and layering (sedimentation) used to date and understand the chronological sequence of archaeological deposits.