History Term Paper On A Very Significant Role Of Archaeology

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Archaeology Major Paper
Archeology plays a very significant role as far as revealing evidence of past life and past activities is concerned. The field is majorly concerned with the discovery of artifacts and features from archeological sites that may be vital in understanding historical happenings in that place or the types of human activities during that time. Considering this, it is therefore important that one understands the proper methods to be used in locating archeological sites especially before any invasive actions are taken that could destroy the site. In the present case, four site study methods will be used to locate archeological sites in the described area. These include Desk Top Surveys, surface surveys, aerial surveys and geophysical and geochemical surveys. However depending on the time given for the investigation, the resources provided and the geographical structure of an area, there could be additional methods involved in locating these archaeological sites. Some of these are walking within the area, dredging or quarrying. This paper explores and focuses on the four renaissance surveys or site study methods, the types of sites and finally highlights possible recommendations in case archaeological sites are discovered in an area. Overall, the paper indicates that investing in archeology through the preservation of archeological sites is a worthy cause that should be embraced by all. This will largely help in the preservation of world cultures and human practices throughout time.
The first site study method that would be used is the Desk Top survey method. As the name suggests, this method involves studying an area from an office rather than investigating it physically. Since not much is known about the piece of land, it is necessary to start with a preliminary site investigation that will give detailed information that is specific to that particular site. This will be necessary in taking any precautions when doing the physical survey. With this method, it is possible to study the site through the hints and references provided in form of old maps, literature about the site, archaeological records of the past, pictorial records and historical documents. According to Grant et al (pg. 8), studying several early maps on a given area can give some reliable information relating to the ways that buildings or a piece of land has changed over time in terms of structure or use respectively. Maps can also provide information about forgotten sites through revealing the individuals or organizations that previously managed and owned the pieces of land under investigation. An access to legal records such as wills can come in handy in giving a hint about what the land or building in question was used for. A visit to the museum can also enable one to access the needed information (Barghi). Pictures, engravings or paintings found in travelogues and books can all serve to provide a guide about the land under archaeological investigation and therefore these too will be used to know whether the land is an archaeological site or not. Additionally, in this method, the local and national records concerning the exploration sites available in the area can be useful in discovering any features related to archaeology. In terms of literature, legends and narratives will be studied to investigate the possibility of any forgotten places being revealed. With the advancements in technology in form of internet searches, and the free access to records from the past in museums, in government offices, and libraries, there is reason to believe that the Desk Top survey method will be necessary and useful in helping to locate any archeological sites in the area.
After using the desk top survey, this will be followed by a surface survey either systematically or unsystematically. This survey method relies on going on foot to the area under investigation in a bid to identify any possible sites or a hint of the same. The aim of this method of study is to discover any traces of archeological material and investigate their relationship to any human activity in the past. The area will be marked out and working with a team, we would walk over the land and record any historical material that would be found. This site study method is important and applicable to the given case since it can help to reveal the manner in which artifacts or other historical material, if present, are scattered and their types. For example, in this situation any features found on the surface of the land, in water, such information will be important in revealing the age of the site and the functions it was used for previously. Very few resources are required in order to use this method thereby making it relatively cheap compared to others. However, some considerable time is needed to walk over the land repeatedly in order to discover anything that was not identified in the first time.
Aside from the two, the method of aerial survey will also be used to study the site for the location of archaeological sites. In this method, marks of the soil, the crops and shadows are usually captured from the air and using aerial photography. The angle used in taking the photographs is special since it allows a better view of the site to be gotten. In the provide case, the land is said to be relatively flat and having a number of cliffs, hills and a river confluence. By this description, it is clear that the land is not heavily ploughed or filled with buildings, which therefore makes the use of aerial survey very suitable as a method of site study. Ideally, the method tends to favor places that are less congested with crops or buildings. Accordingly, this survey method will have to be used during the evening hours or early morning hours since these are the times of the day when clear shadow marks can be captured easily. Another reason for opting for the aerial survey is that the land that is supposed to be investigated is large in size, and therefore will be very time consuming for a method like the surface surveys. Inarguably, a 30 square mile piece of land is a large distance that can best be studied using the aerial survey technique.
The fourth renaissance survey method that would be suitable for use is the geochemical and geophysical survey. Evidently, the eart...