Practical Archaeology Vocabulary

Word Origin: The word "archaeology" is derived from the Greek words "archaios" meaning ancient, and "logos" meaning study or discourse. Therefore, archaeology literally means the study of ancient things. In the context of Prehistoric archaeology, it refers to the study of human history and prehistory through the excavation and analysis of material remains such as artifacts, structures, and other physical evidence.

Word Origin: The word "artifact" comes from the Latin word "artificium," which means "work of art." In the context of prehistoric archaeology, an artifact refers to any object that was made or modified by humans, such as tools, pottery, weapons, or jewelry. These artifacts provide valuable insights into the lives and cultures of prehistoric peoples.

Word Origin: The word "excavation" in the context of Prehistoric archaeology comes from the Latin word "excavatio," which means "a digging out." It is derived from the verb "excavare," which means "to hollow out" or "to dig out." The term has been used in archaeology since the 18th century to describe the process of systematically uncovering and uncovering archaeological sites, artifacts, and structures buried beneath the earth's surface.

Word Origin: The term "radiocarbon dating" comes from the scientific process used to determine the age of artifacts and fossils in archaeology. The word "radiocarbon" is a combination of "radio," which refers to radiation, and "carbon," which is the element being measured in the dating process. Radiocarbon dating is based on the principle that all living organisms contain a small amount of radioactive carbon-14, which decays at a constant rate after death. By measuring the amount of carbon-14 remaining in a sample, scientists can estimate its age and determine when the organism died. The concept of radiocarbon dating was developed in the 1940s by American chemist Willard Libby, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1960 for his work in this field. The method revolutionized the field of archaeology by providing a more precise and accurate way to date prehistoric artifacts and human remains.

Word Origin: The term "hunter-gatherer" is a compound word that combines "hunter," which comes from the Old English word "huntian" meaning "to chase game," and "gatherer," which comes from the Old English word "gaderian" meaning "to bring together." In the context of prehistoric archaeology, "hunter-gatherer" refers to a society or culture that relies on hunting and gathering wild plants for sustenance, rather than practicing agriculture. This term is used to describe the way of life of many early human societies before the development of agriculture.

Word Origin: The word "megalithic" comes from the Greek words "mega" meaning large, and "lithos" meaning stone. In the context of Prehistoric archaeology, "megalithic" refers to the construction of large stone structures or monuments, such as dolmens, cairns, and stone circles, that were built in ancient times by early human societies. These structures are typically made of large, uncut stones that were arranged in specific patterns or formations, and are often associated with burial sites, religious rituals, or astronomical observations.

Word Origin: The word "settlement" in the context of prehistoric archaeology comes from the Middle English word "settlement," which originated from the Old English word "setlere," meaning "a person who settles or establishes a place." This term ultimately comes from the Old English word "setl," meaning "seat" or "dwelling." In prehistoric archaeology, a settlement refers to a place where a community or group of people lived and carried out various activities, such as farming, hunting, and crafting. Archaeologists study settlements to learn about the daily lives, social structures, and cultural practices of prehistoric societies.

Word Origin: The word "prehistoric" is derived from the combination of two words: "pre" meaning before or prior to, and "historic" referring to recorded history. In the context of prehistoric archaeology, the term is used to describe the time period before written records were kept, typically referring to the period before the development of writing systems. It encompasses the study of human societies and cultures that existed before the advent of written records, relying on archaeological evidence to understand the behaviors, technologies, and lifestyles of ancient peoples.

Word Origin: The term "Classical period" in the context of Classical archaeology refers to a specific time period in ancient Greek history, roughly spanning from the 5th century BC to the 4th century BC. The term itself originates from the Latin word "classicus," which was used to refer to the highest social class in ancient Rome. Over time, the term came to be used more broadly to refer to anything of the highest or most excellent quality, including the art, literature, and architecture of ancient Greece during this time period.

Word Origin: The word "ruins" comes from the Latin word "ruina," which means a collapse or downfall. In Classical archaeology, "ruins" refers to the remains of ancient buildings, structures, or cities that have been destroyed or fallen into disrepair over time. The study of ruins plays a crucial role in understanding the history and culture of ancient civilizations.

Word Origin: The word "mosaic" comes from the Latin word "mosaicus," which in turn comes from the Greek word "mousaikos," meaning "of the Muses." The term originally referred to the type of artistic decoration found in the houses of the ancient Romans, which often depicted scenes from mythology or daily life. The use of the word "mosaic" to describe this type of art dates back to the 15th century.

Word Origin: The word "temple" comes from the Latin word "templum," which originally referred to a consecrated space or building dedicated to a deity or deities. The concept of temples dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans, who built elaborate structures as places of worship and religious rituals. In Classical archaeology, temples are a common focus of study as they provide valuable insights into the religious beliefs and practices of ancient societies.

Word Origin: The word "pottery" comes from the Old French word "poterie," which in turn is derived from the Latin word "pottus," meaning "vessel" or "container." In the context of Classical archaeology, pottery refers to the ceramic vessels and other objects that were made and used by ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans. Pottery was a common and important material in daily life, used for storing, cooking, and serving food and drink, as well as for religious and decorative purposes. The study of pottery in Classical archaeology is an important tool for understanding ancient cultures, as it can provide insights into trade, technology, social practices, and artistic styles of the time.

Word Origin: The word "archaeological" is derived from the Greek word "archaiologia," which translates to "ancient history" or "antiquarianism." The word "site" comes from the Latin word "situs," meaning "place" or "location." Therefore, the term "archaeological site" in the context of Classical archaeology refers to a place where artifacts and structures from ancient civilizations are excavated and studied.

Word Origin: The word "artifact" comes from the Latin word "artificium," which means "skill" or "craftsmanship." In the context of Classical archaeology, an artifact refers to any object that was made or modified by human hands, such as pottery, tools, coins, or sculptures. The study of artifacts provides important insights into the daily lives, beliefs, and technologies of ancient cultures.

Word Origin: The word "excavation" comes from the Latin word "excavatio," which is derived from the verb "excavare," meaning "to hollow out" or "to dig out." This term has been used in the context of Classical archaeology to refer to the process of systematically uncovering and exposing archaeological remains through digging and removing layers of soil and debris. The practice of excavation has been a fundamental method in the study of ancient civilizations and their material culture.

Word Origin: The word "archaeologist" is derived from the Greek words "archaios," meaning ancient, and "logos," meaning study or discourse. In the context of Historical archaeology, an archaeologist is someone who studies and analyzes material remains from past human societies in order to understand and interpret the historical context in which they existed.

Word Origin: The term "material culture" in the context of historical archaeology comes from the Latin word "materia," meaning "matter" or "substance," and the word "cultura," meaning "cultivation" or "culture." In historical archaeology, material culture refers to the physical objects, structures, and artifacts that are left behind by past human societies and that can be studied to understand their beliefs, practices, and daily lives. The study of material culture in historical archaeology helps researchers to reconstruct and interpret the social, economic, and cultural aspects of past societies.

Word Origin: The word "industrialization" comes from the Latin word "industria," meaning diligence or skill. It is derived from the Latin word "industrius," meaning diligent, which is related to the Latin word "indu," meaning in or within. "Industrialization" refers to the process of developing industries in a society or region, typically involving the mechanization of production and the shift from agrarian-based economies to manufacturing-based economies. In the context of historical archaeology, industrialization refers to the archaeological study of industrial sites, structures, and artifacts to understand the development and impact of industrial processes on society.

Word Origin: The word "colonialism" comes from the Latin word "colonia," which means a settlement or colony. Colonialism refers to the practice of establishing colonies in foreign territories and exploiting their resources, labor, and land for the benefit of the colonizing power. In the context of historical archaeology, colonialism refers to the period of time when European powers established colonies in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania and the archaeological study of these colonial settlements and their impact on indigenous populations.

Word Origin: The word "stratigraphy" in the context of Historical archaeology comes from the Greek words "stratos" meaning "layer" and "graphia" meaning "description." In archaeology, stratigraphy refers to the study and interpretation of the layers of soil and sediment that have accumulated over time at a particular site. These layers, or strata, can provide valuable information about the chronological sequence of events at the site and help archaeologists understand the history and development of the area.

Word Origin: The word "artifact" comes from the Latin word "artefactum," which is derived from the verb "facere," meaning "to make." In the context of historical archaeology, an artifact refers to any object that was made or modified by humans and is of archaeological interest. These artifacts can include tools, pottery, jewelry, and other items that provide insights into past human cultures and societies.

Word Origin: The word "excavation" comes from the Latin word "excavatio," which means to hollow out or dig out. In the context of historical archaeology, excavation refers to the process of systematically uncovering and removing layers of soil and debris in order to uncover and study artifacts, features, and other evidence of past human activity. This process is essential for understanding and interpreting the history and culture of a particular site or location.

Word Origin: The word "context" comes from the Latin word "contextus," which means "a joining together, connection, or structure." In the context of historical archaeology, the term refers to the specific circumstances or conditions in which an artifact or feature is found within a site. This includes the physical location, spatial relationships, and associated artifacts that can provide important information about the object's use, function, and significance within the broader historical context.

Word Origin: The word "shipwreck" comes from the Middle English term "shipreke," which is a combination of the Old English words "scip" (ship) and "rec" (wreck). The term has been used since the 15th century to refer to a ship that has been destroyed or sunk at sea. In the context of underwater archaeology, a shipwreck refers to the remains of a sunken ship that are of interest to researchers for their historical, cultural, or archaeological significance.

Word Origin: The word "submerged" comes from the Latin word "submergere," which is a combination of "sub" (under) and "mergere" (to plunge or immerse). In the context of underwater archaeology, "submerged" refers to objects or sites that are underwater, typically submerged in a body of water such as a lake, river, or ocean.

Word Origin: The word "maritime" comes from the Latin word "maritimus," which is derived from "mare," meaning sea. In the context of underwater archaeology, "maritime" refers to anything relating to the sea or ocean, such as shipwrecks, ports, or other submerged artifacts.

Word Origin: The word "excavation" in the context of underwater archaeology comes from the Latin word "excavare," which means "to dig out." In this context, excavation refers to the process of carefully uncovering and investigating submerged archaeological sites, such as shipwrecks or submerged settlements, in order to learn more about past human activities and cultures.

Word Origin: The word "artifact" comes from the Latin word "artificium," which means "a product of human skill or workmanship." In the context of underwater archaeology, an artifact refers to any object that has been made or modified by humans and that is found underwater, such as pottery, tools, weapons, or structures. These artifacts provide valuable insights into past human cultures and societies.

Word Origin: The word "diver" in the context of underwater archaeology comes from the Middle English word "diveren," which originated from the Old French word "dever," meaning to submerge or plunge. This ultimately traces back to the Latin word "de" meaning down, and "vertere" meaning to turn or change.

Word Origin: The word "underwater" is a compound word composed of "under" and "water." In the context of underwater archaeology, the term refers to archaeological research and exploration conducted beneath the surface of bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, or oceans. The practice of underwater archaeology involves studying and excavating submerged archaeological sites, artifacts, and structures in order to learn more about past human societies and cultures.

Word Origin: The word "survey" in the context of underwater archaeology comes from the Latin word "supervidere," which means "to oversee" or "to inspect." In underwater archaeology, a survey is a systematic examination of a specific area of the underwater environment to document and record the presence of archaeological sites and artifacts. This process involves using various tools and techniques, such as remote sensing technology, diving equipment, and underwater photography, to gather information about the underwater landscape and identify potential areas of interest for further exploration and excavation.

Word Origin: The word "factory" comes from the Latin word "factorium," which means "a place where something is made." It was first used in the English language in the early 16th century to refer to a building or group of buildings where goods were manufactured on a large scale. In the context of Industrial archaeology, the term "factory" is used to describe historic industrial buildings where goods were produced using machinery and mass production techniques. These buildings are often studied and preserved as part of the industrial heritage of a region.

Word Origin: The term "industrial technology" in the context of industrial archaeology refers to the study of the technology and machinery used in industrial processes throughout history. The word "industrial" comes from the Latin word "industria," meaning "diligence" or "skill." It first appeared in English in the early 17th century and originally referred to activities related to industry, manufacturing, or trade. The word "technology" comes from the Greek words "techne," meaning "skill" or "art," and "logia," meaning "study" or "knowledge." It first appeared in English in the early 17th century and originally referred to the study or knowledge of applied arts and sciences. Therefore, the term "industrial technology" in the context of industrial archaeology combines the ideas of skillful craftsmanship and knowledge of machinery and processes used in industrial activities throughout history.

Word Origin: The term "industrial site" in the context of industrial archaeology comes from the combination of the word "industrial," which comes from the Latin word "industria" meaning "diligence, activity, or labor," and "site," which comes from the Latin word "situs" meaning "place or location." Therefore, an industrial site refers to a place where industrial activities, such as manufacturing, production, or processing, have taken place in the past. In industrial archaeology, the study of industrial sites helps to understand the history, development, and impact of industrialization on society.

Word Origin: The word "industrialization" comes from the root word "industry," which can be traced back to the Latin word "industria," meaning diligence, purpose, or activity. The suffix "-ization" is added to indicate the process of making something industrial. In the context of industrial archaeology, industrialization refers to the period in history when societies began to transition from agrarian economies to industrial economies, marked by the growth of factories, machinery, and mass production.

Word Origin: The term "industrial archaeologist" is composed of two parts: "industrial" and "archaeologist." - "Industrial" comes from the Latin word "industria," meaning "diligence, care, skill" or "activity concerned with production of goods," which evolved to mean "anything made by man" in the late 15th century. In the context of industrial archaeology, it refers to the study of human-made structures, machinery, and artifacts related to industrial activities. - "Archaeologist" comes from the Greek words "archaios," meaning "ancient," and "logos," meaning "study" or "discourse." Archaeology is the study of human history and prehistory through the excavation and analysis of artifacts, structures, and other physical remains. Therefore, an industrial archaeologist is a professional who specializes in the study and preservation of industrial sites, structures, and artifacts from the past, applying archaeological methods and techniques to uncover and interpret the history of industrial activities.

Word Origin: The term "industrial heritage" in the context of industrial archaeology refers to the physical remains and artifacts of past industrial activities that are preserved and interpreted for their historical, cultural, and educational value. The word "industrial" comes from the Latin word "industria," which means diligence or skill. It has been used in English since the early 17th century to refer to activities related to manufacturing, production, and commerce. The word "heritage" comes from the Old French word "heritage," which means inheritance or legacy. It has been used in English since the 13th century to refer to something that is passed down from one generation to another. Therefore, the term "industrial heritage" in the context of industrial archaeology refers to the physical remains and artifacts of past industrial activities that are preserved and interpreted as a legacy of human innovation, creativity, and labor in the field of industry.

Word Origin: The word "machinery" originated from the Middle French word "machinerie," which came from the Latin word "machina," meaning "contrivance" or "machine." In the context of Industrial archaeology, machinery refers to the various mechanical devices and equipment used in industrial processes and production during different historical periods. These machines played a crucial role in the development of industries and the advancement of technology.

Word Origin: The term "Industrial Revolution" originated in the late 19th century and is used to describe the period of rapid industrialization that occurred in Europe and North America from the late 18th to early 19th centuries. The term was first popularized by the economic historian Arnold Toynbee in his book "Lectures on the Industrial Revolution of the Eighteenth Century in England" published in 1884. In the context of Industrial archaeology, the term "Industrial Revolution" refers to the period in history when significant technological advancements, such as the invention of the steam engine and the development of factories, transformed the way goods were produced and led to a shift from agrarian economies to industrial economies. Industrial archaeology focuses on studying and documenting the material remains of this period, including industrial buildings, machinery, and infrastructure, to better understand the impact of industrialization on society and the environment.

Word Origin: The word "ethnography" is derived from the Greek words "ethnos" (meaning "people" or "nation") and "grapho" (meaning "to write"). Therefore, ethnography literally means "writing about people" or "writing about nations." In the context of ethnoarchaeology, ethnography refers to the study and recording of contemporary cultures and societies in order to better understand and interpret archaeological findings. By studying the customs, beliefs, and practices of modern societies, ethnoarchaeologists can make informed interpretations about past societies and their material culture.

Word Origin: The term "material culture" comes from the Latin word "materia," meaning "matter" or "substance," and the word "culture," which comes from the Latin word "cultura," meaning "cultivation" or "tending." In the context of Ethnoarchaeology, material culture refers to the physical objects and artifacts that are created, used, and modified by human societies. These objects provide insight into the beliefs, practices, technology, and social organization of past and present cultures. Ethnoarchaeologists study contemporary societies to better understand the material culture of ancient civilizations.

Word Origin: The word "tradition" comes from the Latin word "traditio," which means "a handing down or over, a tradition." In the context of ethnoarchaeology, tradition refers to the transmission of cultural practices, beliefs, and customs from generation to generation within a particular community or society. Ethnoarchaeologists study these traditions to understand how they shape material culture and archaeological patterns in the past.

Word Origin: The term "ethnographic research" comes from the combination of two words: "ethnography" and "research." "Ethnography" is derived from the Greek words "ethnos," meaning "nation" or "people," and "grapho," meaning "to write." Ethnography refers to the systematic study and documentation of cultures and societies, typically conducted through fieldwork and participant observation. "Research" comes from the Old French word "recherche," which means "to seek out" or "to search." Research involves the systematic investigation and study of a subject in order to discover new information or reach a deeper understanding. In the context of ethnoarchaeology, ethnographic research involves the study of contemporary societies and cultures to gain insights into past human behavior and practices, which can then be applied to archaeological interpretations. By observing and documenting the material culture, social organization, and daily practices of modern communities, ethnoarchaeologists can make inferences about the behaviors and activities of ancient societies.

Word Origin: The term "ethnographic fieldwork" in the context of Ethnoarchaeology can be broken down as follows: 1. Ethno- comes from the Greek word "ethnos," meaning "nation" or "people." It is often used in English to refer to different cultural or ethnic groups. 2. -graphy comes from the Greek word "graphia," meaning "writing" or "description." It is commonly used to refer to the study or description of a particular subject. 3. Fieldwork refers to the practical work or research conducted in the field, rather than in a laboratory or office setting. Therefore, "ethnographic fieldwork" in Ethnoarchaeology refers to the study and description of the cultural practices and behaviors of modern or historical societies through direct observation and interaction in the field. This type of research is often used by archaeologists to better understand the past by studying the present.

Word Origin: The term "cultural anthropology" derives from the Latin word "cultura," meaning cultivation or tending, and the Greek word "anthropos," meaning human. Cultural anthropology is the study of human societies and cultures. In the context of ethnoarchaeology, cultural anthropology refers to the study of living cultures and societies to better understand past human behavior and activities as reflected in archaeological remains. Ethnoarchaeologists use the principles and methods of cultural anthropology to interpret archaeological data and gain insights into the social and cultural aspects of past human societies. By studying contemporary cultures, ethnoarchaeologists can make inferences about the behaviors, practices, and belief systems of ancient peoples.