Define the following terms as they relate to archaeology as a source of history. a) Prehistoric Archaeology b) Ethnoarchaeology c) Classical Archaeology d) Anthropology e) Maritime... Define the following terms as they relate to archaeology as a source of history. a) Prehistoric Archaeology b) Ethnoarchaeology c) Classical Archaeology d) Anthropology e) Maritime Archaeology. Also, define the prehistoric era of human history, explain civilization as a relative concept, discuss three periodizations of humankind prehistory, define a kingdom and explain how it differs from an empire, name five pre-colonial African empires or kingdoms, list and explain five criteria to assess pre-colonial African civilizations, describe five factors that may have led to the fall of the Ghana Empire, and explain five factors that contributed to the rise of the Great Zimbabwe Empire. Read more

Various types of archaeology focus on different aspects of human history, such as prehistory, cultural practices, and classical civilizations. Prehistory includes the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages. An empire is larger than a kingdom. The rise of Great Zimbabwe stemmed from trade and gold control.

a) Prehistoric Archaeology: Focuses on human history before writing. b) Ethnoarchaeology: Studies the cultural practices of living people to interpret ancient societies. c) Classical Archaeology: Focuses on ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. d) Anthropology: The study of humans, their societies and cultural behaviors. e) Maritime Archaeology: Studies human interaction with the sea, lakes, and rivers through archaeological sites.

Prehistoric era: The period before the invention of writing. Civilization as a relative concept: It can vary by social, cultural, and regional contexts. Three periodizations of humankind prehistory: Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age. Kingdom vs Empire: Kingdoms are ruled by kings, often smaller, while empires rule over multiple regions or kingdoms, often larger and more diverse. Pre-colonial African empires/kingdoms: Ghana, Mali, Songhai, Great Zimbabwe, and Benin.

Criteria to assess pre-colonial African civilizations:

1. Political economy
2. Technological and architectural achievements
3. Religious beliefs and practices
4. Social structure
5. Cultural expression

Factors leading to the fall of the Ghana Empire:

1. Overreliance on trans-Saharan trade
2. Internal political strife
3. Depletion of natural resources
4. Invasions by the Almoravids
5. Decline in trade routes

Factors for the rise of the Great Zimbabwe Empire:

1. Strategic location for trade
2. Control of gold mining and trade routes
3. Agricultural surplus
4. Strong military organization
5. Centralized political structure.