CLASS 5 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE

Archaeology and material sources – basic principles

How it works

Archaeology is the science that gains knowledge about past cultures and ways of life through excavations and the study of material sources. Material sources are material remains from the past, for example objects, building remains, tools, ceramics, or bone finds. They were made, used, or left behind by people in connection with their lives. Material sources differ from written sources and often provide information about everyday life, technology, or nutrition that is not recorded in texts. Archaeologists use various methods to date and interpret finds. The evaluation of findspots, layers, and find contexts is central to this.

Note
Material sources are material remains of past times. Their study provides important information about history, especially when no written sources are available. Archaeologists analyze findspots, find layers, and the condition of the finds in order to draw conclusions about earlier ways of life.

An example

What is a material source?

A material source is a material remain from the past, for example a tool, a ceramic vessel, or a bone find from a findspot. Such finds provide information about the lives of earlier people.

Try it yourself now

50 Exercises · three difficulty levels · selection and number input

To the learning unit →

Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: KMK Educational Standards Mathematics ESA/MSA. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.