Historical archaeologists study human history through excavating ancient artifacts and relics. They often work in teams or at universities and need a good understanding of chemistry and other sciences to preserve artifacts. They revise theories about past cultures as new discoveries discredit widely held beliefs. They often work with academics in other fields to analyze ancient artifacts.
Historical archaeologists study human history by examining ancient artifacts and relics. Most archaeologists focus on a specific era in human history and conduct excavations to find historical remains that provide insight into past history. Some archaeologists work independently, but many work in teams or at universities.
Most full-time historical archaeologists have college degrees in archeology and while studying they study history and science because they need to have a good understanding of chemistry and other schools of science to preserve artifacts. Many career archaeologists teach at colleges and lead excavations during school semesters. Some people are part-time historical archaeologists, in which case they do small digs on weekends, and most of these people are self-taught enthusiasts rather than scientists.
Museums often hire well-established historical archaeologists to conduct excavations at sites where artifacts have been found in the past. The museum or its sponsors finance the excavation and then pay archaeologists to conduct research in the museum to learn more about the relics found during the excavation. Some archaeologists hold seminars and conduct museum tours to educate people about discoveries that have been made.
Many archaeologists conduct excavations around the world and look for evidence of prehistoric civilizations such as Stone Age man or Neanderthals. Mediterranean and Middle Eastern nations attract large numbers of archaeologists who study ancient ruins from the Greek, Roman and Egyptian empires. Other archaeologists focus primarily on uncovering information about more recent cultures, such as Native Americans or the Maya.
A historical archaeologist needs to use existing knowledge of ancient cultures and societies to identify ancient weapons, clothing, and jewelry, but an archaeologist also needs to develop theories to explain events that happened in the past. Archaeologists revise theories about past cultures as new discoveries discredit widely held beliefs about a given society’s culture or practices. They provide audiences with information about historical figures and their lives, as well as insights into the daily lives of ordinary people who have lived over the last few centuries.
Archaeologists often work closely with academics in other fields, such as geologists or Egyptologists, and scientists use their combined knowledge to analyze ancient artifacts. A geologist can help the archaeologist determine whether the markings on rocks or ruins were man-made or caused by natural elements. Egyptologists and others who study ancient cultures can help ancient archaeologists identify artifacts by looking for features associated with certain cultures.
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