sub-division of Anthropology (in the United States, archaeology is considered a sub-branch of anthropology while, in Europe, it is considered as a discipline of its own)
the term is derived from the Greek word “arkhaiologia” meaning the study of old things. Archaeology explores the societies and lives of the people who lived in the past, mainly ancient civilizations, by excavating and discovering remains from particular periods, environments, and geographical areas. These remains include the ruins of buildings, burial grounds and monuments, human fossils, and artifacts or items made by our human ancestors. They pay special interest to artifacts like weapons, jewelry, furniture, pottery, coins, etc. These artifacts reveal many important information about ancient civilizations like how they obtained and prepared food and who their enemies were.
Sub-Disciplines
Historical Archaeology – the study of societies with some writing
Ethnoarchaeology – the study of living people
Archaeometry – a study that aims to systematize archaeological measurement