General archaeology

General archaeology

Terms and definitions of archaeology -- the study of human society through the analysis of artifacts, architecture, biofacts and cultural landscapes.

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General archaeology

ecological determinism

Archaeology; General archaeology

A form of explanation in which it is implicit that changes in the environment determine changes in human society.

landscape archaeology

Archaeology; General archaeology

The study of individual features including settlements.

horizontal datum

Archaeology; General archaeology

A base measuring point ("0. 0 point") used as the origin of rectangular coordinate systems for mapping or for maintaining excavation provenience.

attribute

Archaeology; General archaeology

A minimal characteristic of an artifact such that it cannot be further subdivided; attributes commonly studied include aspects of form, style, decoration, color, and raw material.

Paleolithic

Archaeology; General archaeology

The archaeological period before c. 10,000 BC, characterized by the earliest known stone tool manufacture.

A survey method used in underwater archaeology which provides the broadest view of the sea-floor. An acoustic emitter is towed behind a vessel and sends out sound waves in a fan-shaped beam. These ...

functionalism

Archaeology; General archaeology

The theory that all elements of a culture are functional in that they serve to satisfy culturally defined needs of the people in that society or requirements of the society as a whole.