Archaeological anthropology, also known as archaeological or anthropological archaeology, is a subfield of anthropology that focuses on studying past human cultures and societies through the analysis of material remains.
It combines the methods and theories of archaeology and anthropology to reconstruct and interpret human behavior, social structures, technology, and cultural practices from ancient times.
Various divisions or subfields within archaeology include:
- Prehistoric Archaeology: This division focuses on studying human cultures and societies before the invention of writing. It explores the material remains of ancient hunter-gatherer societies, early agricultural communities, and the development of complex civilizations.
- Classical Archaeology: Classical archaeology focuses on the cultures and societies of ancient Greece and Rome. It involves the excavation and study of classical sites, including cities, temples, and monuments, to understand the daily life, art, architecture, and political systems of these civilizations.
- Historical Archaeology: Historical archaeology examines relatively recent periods in human history that are well-documented through written records. It involves the excavation and analysis of archaeological sites associated with colonialism, industrialization, and other historical events to gain insights into the lives of people during those times.
- Underwater Archaeology: This division deals with the study of archaeological sites located underwater, such as shipwrecks, submerged cities, and ancient harbors. It employs specialized techniques and equipment for underwater excavation and preservation.
- Industrial Archaeology: Industrial archaeology focuses on studying the material remains of industrial societies, including factories, mines, mills, and other structures associated with industrialization. It explores the development of technology, labor conditions, and the impact of industrialization on society.
- Experimental Archaeology: Experimental archaeology involves replicating ancient techniques and practices to better understand how past cultures produced tools, built structures, and conducted various activities. It provides valuable insights into the skills and technologies employed by ancient societies.
- Ethnoarchaeology: Ethnoarchaeology combines archaeological and ethnographic methods to study contemporary societies and apply the findings to understand past cultures. It involves observing and documenting modern practices and behaviors to gain insights into how they might have been similar or different in the past.
These are just a few examples of the divisions within archaeology. Each division has its own research methods, theories, and specific areas of focus, but all aim to uncover and interpret the material remains of past human societies to gain a deeper understanding of our shared history.