Vocabulary Lesson
Learn 12 Essential Nouns Related to Archaeology
Archaeology
NOUN - Intermediate
The study of ancient human history through objects, structures, and remains left behind.
Archaeology is a sub-discipline of anthropology and often collaborates with other fields, including history, geography, and geology.
Remains
NOUN - Basic
The remaining evidence of past human activity, including bones, artifacts, and structures.
Remains help archaeologists understand ancient diets, health, and lifestyles.
Artifact
NOUN - Intermediate
A human-made object from the past, like tools, pottery, or jewelry.
Artifacts help archaeologists understand ancient cultures and technology.
Ruin
NOUN - Basic
The decayed remains of a structure or a settlement.
Ruins are often preserved as heritage sites and attract tourists.
Tomb
NOUN - Basic
A structure that serves as a final resting place for the deceased.
Tombs often contain items for the afterlife, such as jewelry, weapons, or food.
Excavation
NOUN - Intermediate
The process of digging to uncover artifacts, ruins, or other historical items.
Excavation is done using various tools, including trowels, brushes, and shovels.
Scroll
NOUN - Intermediate
An old rolled-up document, often made of papyrus or parchment, used for writing.
The use of scrolls gradually declined with the invention of books.
Fragment
NOUN - Intermediate
A small, broken part of a larger object or structure.
Even tiny fragments can provide valuable information about past societies, economies, and technologies.
Cuneiform
NOUN - Advanced
One of the earliest known systems of writing, developed by the Sumerians of ancient Mesopotamia around 3500 BCE.
Cuneiform was used to record laws, trade, and stories.
Hieroglyphics
NOUN - Advanced
A system of writing using symbols or pictures found in ancient Egypt.
Hieroglyphics included over 700 symbols, representing sounds and ideas that were often inscribed on temples, tombs, and scrolls.
Radiocarbon Dating
NOUN - Advanced
A scientific method to determine the age of organic materials.
Radiocarbon dating is effective for determining the age of organic objects up to around 50,000 years old.
Preservation
NOUN - Intermediate
The act of protecting and maintaining historical objects or sites.
Preservation involves controlling environmental factors like temperature and humidity.
