ArchaeologyUnit 1 Early Humans

ArchaeologyThe study of human activity in the past through the analysis of artifacts, landforms, climates, and cultures.

In this archaeological dig in Afghanistan, social scientists will look at the landforms around the site, the artifacts they uncover and the culture of people who lived here in the past, to tell the story of what happened.

Social Scientists People who study the past. They are like detectives because they use clues from the past to tell the story of what happened.

Examples of social scientists include:

HistoriansArcheologistsAnthropologistsPaleontologistsGeologists

ArcheologistStudies the past by using artifacts to discover clues to ancient civilizations and mysteries.

Archaeologists at “the hill” in Maryland search for artifacts that will provide clues about the people who lived here in the 1850s.

HistorianA person who studies the past trying to give an objective interpretation what has already been written down.

A historian may look at artifacts themselves, or he/she may look at what others have written about artifacts.

AnthropologistStudies the past by looking at the culture of a specific group or civilization

This anthropologist writes notes as he observes a group of people preparing a meal.

GeologistStudies the past by examining rocks and minerals to identify climate and other natural patterns of the past

By studying the soil and rocks, a geologist can discover the age of artifacts and the climate of the area at the time.

PaleontologistStudies the past by examining fossils to discover and reconstruct the past

These paleontologists are trying to determine the age of these bones.

Why are social

scientists

important?

What do you think?????????

Here are a few ideas They help us explain how the ancient cultures

worked and functioned. They help us understand who we are today,

by knowing where we come from.

ArtifactsObjects made or used by people in the past

Artifacts include tools, clothing, paintings, buildings, and the artwork painted on the walls of buildings and caves

The painting above and the spear thrower to the left are ancient artifacts that have been found in caves

The study of ancient cultures begins long ago before there was

any written language. This period of time is known as

PREHISTORY.