What are the major branches of Archaeology?

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There are three main branches of study: prehistoric archaeology (cultures that do not have writing); protohistoric archaeology (cultures that have incomplete records); and historic archaeology (cultures that have well-developed historical records).



Likewise, people ask, what are the different branches of archeology?

There are two main branches of archaeology: classical, or historical, archaeology and anthropological, or prehistoric, archaeology. The education and training of an archaeologist are divided along these two lines, though the general sequence of each is similar.

One may also ask, what are the four types of archaeological evidence? All archaeological materials can be grouped into four main categories: (1) artifacts, (2) ecofacts, (3) structures, and (4) features associated with human activity. Artifacts and ecofacts are portable and thus can be removed from the site to be analyzed by specialists.

Also, what kind of jobs are there in archeology?

The roles you would be perfect for include heritage manager, museum education or exhibitions officer, museum curator, historic buildings inspector or conservation officer, archivist, cartographer, social researcher or tourism officer.

What methods do archaeologists use?

Instead, it leaves the buried archaeology for future generations when techniques of excavation might be even better.

  • Google Earth.
  • LIDAR.
  • Drones.
  • Shallow geophysics.
  • Soil geochemistry.
  • Ground penetrating radar.

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What is the difference between prehistoric and historic Archaeology?

With prehistory meaning the time before the development of writing, prehistoric archaeology is the study of cultures that existed before the time of written record. Unlike prehistoric archaeology, historical archaeology is the study of the physical remains of cultures with written records.

What is the scope of Archaeology?

In fact, the scope of Archaeology is very broad. It has various field of study like archives, museology, numismatics, epigraphy and the like. Archaeologist carry out various tasks like initial fieldwork, excavation of sites and their categorization besides dating and interpretation of excavated materials.

Who pays an archaeologist?

Even employers in the private sector are often highly dependent on federal grants to conduct archaeological research. The federal government is also the highest-paying business sector for archaeologists. According to the BLS, the average annual wage for all archaeologists employed by the federal government is $72,980.

Why is Archaeology important today?

Why is Archaeology Important? Archaeology provides us with the opportunity to learn about past cultures through the study of artifacts, animal bones and sometimes human bones. Studying these artifacts helps to provide us with some insight about what life was like for people who left behind no written record.

Is Archaeology a science or an art?


It was central tenet of the 'new archaeology' that the subject is a science, in the same sense as physics or biology. To others, such as the British academic David Clarke, archaeology is neither an art nor a science, but a distinct type of subject in itself – “archaeology is archaeology” he claimed.

What archaeologists do?

Archaeologists investigate historic and prehistoric sites and physical remains to understand human links to the past and to preserve past cultures. Archaeologists find clues about the past. They use a variety of extraction or digging techniques.

What do I need to be an archaeologist?

Bachelor's degrees are generally required for entry-level archaeology positions, such as field assistant, surveyor or museum technician. Aspiring archaeologists typically pursue degrees in anthropology, which consist of studies in archaeology, cultural anthropology, biological anthropology and linguistics.

Is Archaeology a history?

Archaeology is a wide subject and definitions can vary, but broadly, it is the study of the culture and history of past peoples and their societies by uncovering and studying their material remains, i.e. tools, ruins, and pottery.

Is Archaeology a good career?

As for jobs in archaeology - most depend on university affiliation. Archaeology —as part of anthropology — is a great field of study, but it is not a very high paying career unless you focus on building a job to that level. Archaeology is the study of the past or recent human past through material remains.

Is it hard to get a job in archeology?


It is very difficult to land a permanent job as an archaeologist with only a BA. I know having a career in archaeology is very hard to come by and very selective. A BA degree is an equivalent to a high school diploma, no one takes you seriously.

Who is the most famous archaeologist?

Examples of important people in archaeology on this list include Thomas Jefferson, Howard Carter, Louis Leakey, and more. From reputable, prominent, and well known archaeologists to the lesser known archaeologists of today, these are some of the best professionals in the archaeologist field.

Do archaeologists use math?

Archaeologists use math a lot in their work, as it is important to measure everything and calculate weights, diameters, and distances. Of course, archaeology has a large field component and that cannot be conducted online. For most archaeologists, their first excavation experience was at an archaeology field school.

Do Archaeologists travel the world?

It depends. Archaeologists whose research areas are not near where they live may travel to conduct surveys, excavations, and laboratory analyses. Many archaeologists, however, do not travel that much. This is true for some jobs in federal and state government, museums, parks and historic sites.

Is there a demand for archaeologists?

Jobs in archaeology will grow 21 percent from 2010 to 2020, according to the BLS. That's faster than the 18 percent average for all jobs. More development will create demand for archaeologists to study and monitor sensitive sites. However, because the field is small, growth will create only 1,300 new jobs through 2020.

Is an archeology degree worth it?


So in terms of financial value to the individual archaeologist, holding a degree is currently a great advantage in terms of being able to enter work in professional archaeology at all, and the higher the level of academic qualifications held, the more a person will typically earn.

What is the best school for Archaeology?

Here are the 10 Best Master's Degrees in Archaeology for 2020!
  • University of Georgia - Athens, GA.
  • Tufts University - Medford, MA.
  • Michigan Technological University - Houghton, MI.
  • University of Pennsylvania - Philadelphia, PA.
  • University of California-Berkeley - Berkeley, CA.
  • Harvard University - Cambridge, MA.