Introduction to Archaeology ASB 223 Unit 1 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the main focus of archaeology?

The study of weather patterns

The study of past lifeways of human groups (correct)

The study of ancient animals

The study of modern technology

How far back in time can archaeology study according to the text?

6-7 million years (correct)

100,000 years

10 million years

1 million years

What is prehistory according to the text?

The time before the appearance of written records (correct)

The time before agriculture was practiced

The time before the internet existed

The time before the invention of fire

Which of the following is part of the archaeological record?

Bones & teeth from past human lifeways Signup and view all the answers

What is a challenge inherent in learning about past lifeways through archaeology?

Incompleteness of the archaeological record Signup and view all the answers

What are some components of the archaeological record according to the text?

Sites, artifacts, bones & teeth, etc. Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe the arrangements between individuals and groups in human society that structure relationships and activities?

Organization Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of society concerns relations between women & men and among different segments of society like families, age groups, and labor units?

Kinship & marriage systems Signup and view all the answers

What is a conceptual framework by which people structure their ideas about the order of the universe and their relationships among themselves and with objects?

Ideology Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of expressing ideology through art & architecture from the Old World mentioned in the text?

Teotihuacan astronomical alignments Signup and view all the answers

In what type of society are individuals divided into classes based on distinctions like wealth, occupation, or social status?

Ranked societies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a New World example mentioned for expressing ideology through art & architecture?

Stonehenge in Great Britain Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of technology in archaeology?

Converting natural resources into tools and equipment Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of the economy aspect in archaeology?

Understanding how people obtain food and materials for their sustenance Signup and view all the answers

What are the most common archaeological remains that archaeologists find?

Stone tools and ceramic pottery Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of radiocarbon (C14) dating in archaeology?

Determining the age of organic materials Signup and view all the answers

What do ecofacts refer to in archaeology?

Organic and environmental remains at archaeological sites Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the Law of Superposition in geology?

Analyzing stratigraphy and determining relative ages of rock layers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Archaeology's Focus

Archaeology aims to understand past human lifeways by studying material remains.

Time Depth

It reaches back beyond written history, exploring human activity from the Stone Age to the present.

Prehistory

Refers to the period before written records, which archaeology focuses on.

Archaeological Record Components

Artifacts: Objects created or modified by humans (tools, pottery, jewelry).
Ecofacts: Natural materials used or affected by humans (animal bones, plant remains, soil).
Features: Non-portable remains (pits, hearths, house foundations, walls).

Understanding Past Lifeways

Interpreting past human behaviors from material remains poses a challenge, as context is crucial.

Social organization refers to the structure of relationships and activities in human societies.

Social relations encompass the dynamics between women and men, and among different society segments (families, age groups, labor units).

Ideology

Represents the conceptual framework through which people understand the universe, relationships, and objects.

Ideology in Art & Architecture

Examples of expressing ideology include:
- Temples in ancient Egypt reflecting religious beliefs.
- Stonehenge in Britain possibly functioning as a calendar or observing astronomical events.
- The pyramids of Mesoamerica symbolizing power and rulership.
- The pyramids of Egypt embodying religious beliefs and divine power.

Class-based Society

Class-based societies differentiate individuals based on wealth, occupation, or social status.

New World Ideology in Art & Architecture

Examples of expressing ideology:
- Machu Picchu in Peru, reflecting the Inca Empire's power and rulership.
- Teotihuacan in Mexico, showcasing its religious beliefs and social organization.
- The Nazca Lines in Peru, possibly representing astronomical alignments or ritual pathways.
- Cahokia, a Mississippian culture center in North America, embodying religious and social significance.

Archaeological Technology

Focuses on the instruments and techniques used by past humans to produce objects and tools.

Economy

Examines how past societies produced, distributed, and consumed resources.

Common Archaeological Remains

The most abundant remains include pottery, stone tools, animal bones, plant remains, and human burials.

Radiocarbon Dating

Radiocarbon dating primarily aids in determining the age of organic materials within a specified time range.

Ecofacts

Ecofacts in archaeology refer to natural remains altered or utilized by humans.

Law of Superposition

The Law of Superposition focuses on understanding the chronological arrangement of geological layers, with older layers typically found beneath younger layers.

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Description

Test your understanding of key concepts covered in Unit 1 of ASB 223 - Introduction to Archaeology with Dr. Dean H. Wheeler at Glendale Community College. Topics include defining archaeology, prehistory, methods of archaeological fieldwork, and components of the archaeological record.