Sample Answer for Archaeology

1. What is meant by the initials BC and AD?

BC stands for "Before Christ," referring to the time before the birth of Jesus Christ. AD stands for "Anno Domini," a Latin phrase meaning "The Year of Our Lord," referring to the years following the birth of Christ.

2. Which date is earlier, 54 BC or 42 AD? Which date is earlier, 96 BC or 90 AD?

The earlier date is 54 BC, as BC dates count backwards towards year 1. Similarly, 96 BC is earlier than 90 AD.

3. To which century does the year AD 1825 belong?

The year AD 1825 belongs to the 19th century.

4. What is a secondary source? Give an example.

A secondary source is information that is not directly from the time period being studied. It is second-hand information.

Example: A history book, a school textbook, or a biography.

5. What is an artefact?

An artefact is a man-made object from the past that is discovered and studied by archaeologists. Examples include pottery, tools, and jewellery.

6. What is a primary source? Give an example.

A primary source is first-hand evidence from a particular time in history. It provides direct insight into the past.

Example: An old photograph, a letter, an autobiography, a diary, a birth certificate, or an eyewitness account.

7. Why do historians prefer to obtain information from more than one source?

Historians prefer to use multiple sources to verify the accuracy of the information and to gain a more balanced perspective on past events.

8. Why can information in historical documents sometimes be incorrect?

Information in historical documents can be inaccurate due to bias, prejudice, mistakes, deliberate lies, or errors in transcription.

9. What is meant by the term bias?

Bias refers to a one-sided or unfair representation of an event, often influenced by personal opinions or beliefs.

10. What is meant by the term propaganda?

Propaganda is the deliberate spreading of information, often misleading, to influence public opinion and promote or damage a particular government, group, or belief.

11. What is meant by the term census?

A census is an official population count conducted at regular intervals to gather information about the number and characteristics of people in a country.

12. What are archives?

Archives are buildings or collections where historical documents, such as census records, letters, photographs, and films, are preserved for research and reference.

13. Name a place where artefacts are displayed to the public.

Artefacts are displayed to the public in museums, galleries, and libraries.

14. What is a museum?

A museum is a building where historical artefacts are carefully preserved, studied, and displayed for public viewing and education.

15. What name is given to objects discovered by archaeologists?

Objects discovered by archaeologists are called artefacts.

16. What methods are used by archaeologists to date objects?

Archaeologists use several dating methods, including stratigraphy, carbon-14 dating, dendrochronology (tree-ring dating), and pollen analysis.

17. Give one method used by archaeologists to locate a site for excavation.

Archaeologists locate excavation sites using aerial photographs, legends, random or accidental discoveries, and known locations of ancient buildings or ruins.

18. What do historians mean by the term prehistory or prehistoric?

Prehistory refers to the period before written records were kept.

19. What instruments are used by archaeologists on a dig to excavate a site?

Archaeologists use tools such as trowels, brushes, sieves, and photographic scales during excavations.

20. During an excavation, why are archaeologists very careful with the objects they find?

Archaeologists handle objects carefully because they can be fragile, old, valuable, or easily damaged.

21. What is meant by the term midden?

A midden is an ancient rubbish heap, often containing discarded bones, shells, and pottery, which provides archaeologists with valuable information about past human activity.

22. What is a post hole?

A post hole is the mark or remains of a wooden post that has decayed over time, leaving a stain in the soil. It indicates the presence of past structures or buildings.