Great Discoveries in Archaeology

Unit 1 – Archaeology: Concepts, Methods & Ethics

Unit 2 – Rosetta Stone: Unlocking Ancient Egyptian

Unit 3 – Tutankhamun's Tomb: Egyptian Burial Secrets

Unit 4 – Pompeii: Ancient Roman City Frozen in Time

Unit 5 – Minoans: Knossos and the Aegean Bronze Age

Unit 6 – Dead Sea Scrolls: Biblical Impact

Unit 7 – Terracotta Army: China's Imperial Guards

Unit 8 – Machu Picchu: Lost City of the Inca

Unit 9 – Göbekli Tepe: Rethinking Neolithic Origins

Unit 10 – Sutton Hoo: Anglo-Saxon Ship Burial

Unit 11 – Nazca Lines: Ancient Peruvian Geoglyphs

Unit 12 – Ancient Greek Astronomical Computer

Unit 13 – Olduvai Gorge: Cradle of Human Evolution

Unit 14 – Easter Island's Moai: Polynesian Mysteries

Unit 15 – Archaeological Science: Recent Advances

## What do you learn in Great Discoveries in Archaeology

You'll explore famous archaeological finds and their impact on our understanding of human history. The course covers major discoveries like Tutankhamun's tomb, Pompeii, and Machu Picchu. You'll learn about excavation techniques, dating methods, and how archaeologists interpret artifacts to piece together past cultures and civilizations.

## Is Great Discoveries in Archaeology hard?

It's not usually considered one of the tougher courses. The material is pretty interesting, so it's easier to stay engaged. You'll need to remember key dates, sites, and archaeologists, but it's more about understanding concepts than heavy memorization. The workload is usually manageable, with some reading, maybe a paper or two, and probably a midterm and final.

## Tips for taking Great Discoveries in Archaeology in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Create a timeline of major discoveries to visualize their chronological order
3. Use mnemonic devices to remember key archaeologists and their discoveries (e.g., "Carter's King Tut" for Howard Carter's discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb)
4. Watch documentaries about famous archaeological sites (like "Secrets of the Saqqara Tomb" on Netflix)
5. Visit local museums with archaeological exhibits to see artifacts firsthand
6. Form a study group to discuss and debate interpretations of archaeological findings
7. Read "The Lost City of the Monkey God" by Douglas Preston for a modern archaeological adventure

## Common pre-requisites for Great Discoveries in Archaeology

Introduction to Anthropology: This course provides an overview of human cultures, both past and present. You'll learn about the four subfields of anthropology, including archaeology.

World History Survey: This class covers major events and developments in human history from ancient times to the present. It provides useful context for understanding the significance of archaeological discoveries.

## Classes similar to Great Discoveries in Archaeology

Ancient Civilizations: This course delves into the rise and fall of early complex societies. You'll study the political, social, and economic systems of civilizations like Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley.

Archaeological Field Methods: Here, you'll learn hands-on techniques for excavation and site survey. The class often includes a field component where you practice these methods at an actual archaeological site.

Art History of the Ancient World: This course examines the development of art and architecture in early civilizations. You'll learn to analyze and interpret ancient artifacts and structures from an artistic perspective.

Forensic Archaeology: This class combines archaeology with forensic science. You'll learn how archaeological techniques are used in criminal investigations and human rights cases.

## Majors related to Great Discoveries in Archaeology

Archaeology: Focuses on the study of human history through the excavation and analysis of artifacts and physical remains. Students learn about various cultures, excavation techniques, and how to interpret archaeological evidence.

Anthropology: Examines human cultures, both past and present, from a holistic perspective. Students study cultural practices, human evolution, and language, often incorporating archaeological findings into their research.

History: Concentrates on the study of past events and their significance. Students analyze historical documents and artifacts, often using archaeological discoveries to supplement written records.

Museum Studies: Prepares students for careers in museums and cultural institutions. Students learn about artifact preservation, exhibit design, and how to interpret archaeological findings for public education.

## What can you do with a degree in Great Discoveries in Archaeology?

Archaeologist: Excavates and analyzes artifacts and structures from past human societies. They work in various settings, from academic research to cultural resource management for construction projects.

Museum Curator: Manages and interprets collections of artifacts for public display. They research objects, plan exhibitions, and often specialize in specific time periods or cultures.

Cultural Resource Manager: Protects and preserves archaeological sites and artifacts. They often work with government agencies or private companies to ensure compliance with preservation laws during development projects.

Forensic Archaeologist: Applies archaeological techniques to legal investigations. They may work with law enforcement to excavate crime scenes or help identify human remains in mass graves.

## Great Discoveries in Archaeology FAQs

How much math is involved in this course? There's usually very little math, mostly just some basic statistics for dating methods. You won't need to do complex calculations.

Are there any field trips in this class? It depends on the professor and location, but many try to include at least one trip to a local museum or archaeological site.

Can I take this class if I'm not an archaeology major? Absolutely! It's often open to all students and can be a great elective for various majors interested in history or culture.

Archaeology

1.1 Principles and history of archaeology

1.2 Archaeological methods and techniques

1.3 Ethical considerations in archaeological practice

1.4 Cultural resource management and heritage preservation

2.2 Process of deciphering hieroglyphs

2.1 Discovery and significance of the Rosetta Stone

2.3 Impact on Egyptology and ancient language studies

3.2 Artifacts and treasures of Tutankhamun's tomb

3.1 Howard Carter's excavation and discovery

3.3 Ancient Egyptian funerary customs and beliefs

4.1 The eruption of Mount Vesuvius and preservation of Pompeii

4.3 Daily life in ancient Roman cities

4.2 Archaeological techniques used in Pompeii excavations

4.4 Conservation challenges and visitor management

5.1 Sir Arthur Evans and the discovery of Knossos

5.2 Minoan art, architecture, and material culture

5.3 Theories on Minoan society and its collapse

6.1 Discovery and content of the Dead Sea Scrolls

6.3 Influence on biblical studies and ancient Judaism

6.2 Qumran community and scroll production

7.1 Discovery and excavation of the Terracotta Army

7.2 Craftsmanship and technology of the terracotta warriors

7.3 Qin Dynasty and the unification of China

8.2 Inca architecture and engineering

8.3 Theories on Machu Picchu's purpose and abandonment

8.4 Conservation efforts and sustainable tourism

8.1 Hiram Bingham and the rediscovery of Machu Picchu

9.1 Discovery and excavation of Göbekli Tepe

9.2 Architecture and symbolism of the site

9.3 Implications for understanding early human societies

10.1 Excavation and finds of the Sutton Hoo burial

10.2 Anglo-Saxon art and craftsmanship

10.3 Social structure and beliefs in Anglo-Saxon England

11.2 Theories on the purpose and creation of the geoglyphs

11.3 Nazca culture and its environmental context

11.1 Discovery and documentation of the Nazca Lines

12.1 Discovery and recovery of the Antikythera Mechanism

12.2 Structure and function of the device

12.3 Implications for ancient Greek technology and astronomy

13.2 Early hominid fossils and stone tools

13.1 Leakey family excavations and discoveries

13.3 Paleoanthropology and human evolution theories

14.3 Easter Island's ecology and societal collapse

14.2 Theories on moai construction and transportation

14.1 Discovery and documentation of Easter Island

15.1 Remote sensing and geophysical prospection

15.3 3D modeling and virtual reconstruction

15.4 Big data and computational archaeology

15.2 DNA analysis and bioarchaeology

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