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Archaeological Dating Methods: A Case Study, 2002.
This paper discusses four major methods of archaeological dating: stratigraphy, dendrochronology, obsidian hydration dating, and radiocarbon dating.
2,380 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 15 sources, MLA, AU$ 109.95
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Abstract
The paper introduces archaeology, and explains that the concept of dating is central to the science of archaeology. Two broad categories of dating, relative and absolute, are introduced, and four major specific types of dating are presented to the reader; stratigraphy, dendrochronology, obsidian hydration dating, and radiocarbon dating. Each of the four methods are discussed in great detail, each with a closing paragraph devoted to the underlying problems with that particular method. For example, the section on stratigraphy begins with a brief history of the method itself, and introduces such concepts as the law of superposition, temporal sequences of data within stratified deposits, context evaluation, and determining age through the relative position of superimposed artifacts. The negatives of stratigraphy are then discussed, and include deformation, overlapping and reverse stratigraphy, and the method is evaluated on the whole. This format is then applied to the other three types of dating discussed. Finally, a concluding paragraph states that although the four types of dating discussed are infinitely valuable to archaeologists all over the world, there are still problems associated with each that need to be accounted for when using them to address the age of fossilized remains and other artifacts.
From the Paper
"Archaeology is the study of past human cultures, and archaeologists must uncover and interpret material remains in order to reconstruct past ways of life. To understand the purposes of these remains, Archaeologists have the task of constructing a chronology of prehistory, using various dating methods. ?Without knowing the age of materials, little can be said about the activity that made them part of the site (David L. Webster, Susan Toby Evans & William T. Sanders, 1993: 128).? Dating is defined as the placement in time of events relative to one another or to any established scale of temporal measurement (Jeffrey S. Dean, 1981: 375). Dating methods used by Archaeologist incorporate the scientific method and have the advantages of objectification, application to isolated cultural sequences, and an expanded span of human prehistory for which an absolute chronology can be built (Keith Brannigan, 1974: 100-101). Scientific methods of dating are invaluable for the prehistoric periods and have revolutionized the archaeologists? ideas about the absolute chronology of the prehistoric culture sequence (Brannigan, 1974: 101), yet each of these scientific methods has many difficulties. Dating techniques fall into two categories?relative and absolute?and include the following: seriation, ceramic dating, potassium argon dating, thermoluminescence dating, archaeomagnetic dating, fission track dating, stratigraphy, dendrochronology, obsidian hydration dating, and radiocarbon dating. This paper will discuss the latter four methods, with an emphasis on the shortcomings of each."
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Scientific Artifact Analysis, 2002.
This paper describes various scientific means of examining archeological artifacts.
1,810 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 10 sources, MLA, AU$ 88.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the use of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR), Petrographic analysis, microscopy and radiography, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and infrared spectroscopy (IR) in examining archeological remains. The author includes an application of these methods. Pictures and graphs are included.
From the Paper
"There are many ways one can study archaeological materials. This paper will focus on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR), Petrographic analysis, microscopy and radiography, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and infrared spectroscopy (IR). All are part of a process that helps to identify many materials, which in turn provide answers to parts of the past. They are all very useful tools for the examination of archaeological artifacts and many other things."
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Systems Theory and Archaeology, 2002.
This paper looks at the movement towards a post-modern construction of landscape, feminism and capitalist research in archaeology.
1,465 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 73.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the history of archaeology, and the impact that social historians have had in shaping its direction and definition. In order to present his case, the author looks at three different books on archaeology, both ancient and modern, by social historians. The author points out the strengths and weaknesses of these publications, which in some cases, are long on speculation, and short on facts.
From the Paper
"This is not to say the Patterson's book is completely skewed, however. He situates archaeology into a wider historical context and acknowledges the influence of outside society- that, archaeology as a field did not, in fact, 'pull itself up by its own bootstraps. As an example of this he sites the first impact of the WPA during the great depression, and the larger affect it had after World War II when the GI Bill allowed many soldiers who had previously worked with the WPA to pursue a full career in Archaeology. He also traces the class structure of archaeology from its beginning as an aristocratic and upper middle class phenomena to its situation in middle class academia in the 1950's. Finally, he follows the fields movement from private collectors, to universities, to Federal government, and its final gradual privatization under the expanding clauses of United States historic sites protection."
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The True Nature of Cannibalism: A Tribute to the Deceased, 2001.
This paper examines the historical realities and significance of cannibalism and cannibalistic peoples.
2,085 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 98.95
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Abstract
Using historical evidence of cannibalism existence, this paper identifies different forms and practices, and explains the motives for such behaviors.
From the Paper
"For millions of years, the majority of humans and their ancestors around the world have eaten meat, derived from a countless number of animals. However, the majority of these people have avoided one particular kind of meat: human flesh. For a human to knowingly eat the flesh of his own kind has been taboo to the most extreme definition of the term. Even the thought of it provokes a deep-rooted, enculturated repulsiveness that is so powerful it has actually prevented modern humans from eating remains of dead people for the sole purpose of survival (Barker, Hulme, and Iversen 1998:37). In other words, they would rather die than eat the meat of another person. The general practice of eating human flesh, anthropophagy, commonly referred to as cannibalism, has always been a subject full of controversy and debate. Hundreds of scientific studies have been published on the subject, but few have focused on the anthropological reasons for its supposed occurrence. In order to understand the true nature of cannibalism, it is necessary to examine it from a number of different perspectives. First, the historical evidence indicating that it took place must be carefully analyzed and interpreted. Second, the different forms of cannibalism must be identified and defined, and examples of their historical presence must be cited. Lastly, the motives of each type need to be explained, detailing the various tendencies of cannibalistic peoples and their practices. Only then will the appropriate significance of cannibalism and its existence become clear."
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A Critical Review of the Glenrose Cannery Site, 2002.
This paper looks at how the zoo archaeology of the site has been used to determine seasonality, diet, etc.
2,120 words (approx. 8.5 pages), 4 sources, AU$ 100.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes a study done of the Glenrose Cannery Site in the 1970s. The various excavations at the site between 1969 and 1973 are discussed in detail, and the results are analysed and evaluated.
From the paper:
"The analysis of fish, pollen, shellfish, mammalian and avian remains and artifacts from the site were studied to find ?the origins of the densely populated culturally complex, maritime adaptation of the Pacific Northwest Coast?, and ?the origin of the Locarna Bach and Marpole phases in the last millenium B.C.? (Matson, 1976) Little is known about this and views range from Asiatio origins to local development. (Matson, 1976) ?Thus is was hoped that the investigation of the Glenrose midden would shed some light on the origins of the unique Northwest Coast pattern by detailing the subsistence strategies related to pre-Locarno material on the edge of the Fraser Delta.?
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A History of Language and Writing Systems, 2001.
An interesting look at the development of systems of writing starting with the Sumerian people.
1,530 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 7 sources, AU$ 76.95
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Abstract
In this paper the author looks back in time to the origins of writing and notes and shows that there is new archaeological evidence to suggest that the cuneiform system of writing existed even prior to the Sumer. The author then moves on to examine Egyptian forms for writing and various Semitic languages.
From the paper:
?More than 300 clay tablets with a variety of images on them have already been discovered by Dreyer. Among the symbols found on the tablets are scorpions with trees, scorpions with plants, stylized birds, dogs and fish and various other decorative plant-forms?.
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The Toltecs - The First Great Mesoamerican Civilization, 2001.
A history of Meso-America, with an in-depth study of the Toltecs.
2,200 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 9 sources, AU$ 103.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the world of the Toltecs, focusing on how they were shaped and how they helped to shape a larger Meso-American cultural grouping that shared a number of salient cultural features. The author also makes particular mention of Toltecs impact on the Aztecs.
From the paper:
?The rise of the Toltec civilization did however mark a distinct turn in some sense because after the rise of the organized Toltec empire the peoples and rulers of this region of Mexico would be more deeply and more consistently marked by a militaristic orientation than those people (culturally related as they were) that preceded them, as Bernal argues?.
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Mass Extinctions, 2001.
This paper compares and contrasts the Permian and Cretaceous-Tertiary mass extinctions.
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 2 sources, AU$ 70.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the Permian and Cretaceous-Tertiary periods of life on Earth - pre-historic forms of life from sea creatures to land and air creatures. During both of these periods, mass extinction occurred and a comparison of these two extinctions is documented in this paper.
From the paper:
"From the perspective of daily human life, we often think of tragedy on the level of individual death and destruction, and the concept of mass extinction as being confined to a species or at worst, an ecosystem. However, over the course of the existence of the earth, the planet has weathered many greater catastrophes. Geologists must take a much longer-term perspective of catastrophe when studying extinction. This paper will compare and contrast the Permian and Cretaceous-Tertiary mass extinctions."
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Reviewing "Women in Ancient Egypt", 2002.
This paper discusses the public and private lives and roles of ancient Egyptian women.
1,225 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 1 source, AU$ 62.95
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Abstract
This essay discusses the importance of women in ancient Egyptian society in Gay Robin's book "Women in Ancient Egypt". The author examines strong royal women such as Nefertiti, and Nefertiti, and discusses women in Egyptian art. The paper also looks at the subordination of females in Egyptian society, but also how they were honored by their families.
From the Paper:
"Dr. Robins, curator of Egyptian art for the Carlos Museum, reevaluates the roles and importance of women in ancient Egyptian society as depicted in the art and written records of the time. The special role of women in religious rites is also surveyed. Women in Ancient Egypt is a book that shows us what the archaeological riches of Egypt really say about how the women of Egypt lived, both in the public and private eye."??
From the Paper
"Dr. Robins, curator of Egyptian art for the Carlos Museum , reevaluates the roles and importance of women in ancient Egyptian society as depicted in the art and written records of the time. The special role of women in religious rites is also surveyed. Women in Ancient Egypt is a book that shows us what the archaeological riches of Egypt really say about how the women of Egypt lived, both in the public and private eye."
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For Humans, Culture is Biology, 2001.
This paper discusses the evolution of the human brain and how intelligence and culture are determined by biological factors.
1,320 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 10 sources, AU$ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper examines human culture and how intelligence is determined by biological factors. The author discusses the origins of the human brain, and how it evolved into a tool of intelligence more than two million years ago, and how societal cultures are learned and shared.
From the Paper
"According to Wolpoff, ?while a human culture cannot be linked to a particular biology, or vice versa, for humans culture is biology.? Wolpoff, 1999, p.164. This statement means that development of a culture is dependent on biologically determined factors. The most important reason for the development of culture is adaptation for survival under changing environment, which in turn requires, on the one hand, natural selection, and on the other making choices, rather than merely acting on instinct. Intelligence, needed for the purpose of making choices has been the product of biological factors. It should be noted that even though some animals such as wild dogs also live in societies, only humans have developed culture. Culture developed side by side with the evolution of certain physical features in the human species, Homo sapiens that made intelligence possible."
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Otzi: The Ice Man, 2000.
1,759 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 6 sources, AU$ 85.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the discovery of a Neolithic man in the Otzaler Alps. It discusses the actual discovery, description of how life was during his time period, and the many other findings upon testing this four thousand year old corpse.
From the Paper
"Otzi therefore lived during the late Neolithic period. Since his time of life was narrowed down it can be assumed that his community or culture was very active in pottery and other ceramic items. During the time of the Iceman Neolithic farming was taking place. Raising crops and livestock was quite common."
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The Evolution of Man, 2001.
A detailed picture of the development of man from past to present, with comparisons to the modern-day human being.
2,026 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 8 sources, AU$ 97.95
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Abstract
This paper focuses on the new evolved state of human beings where we are actually questioning our origins and how we came to be. The paper focuses on the different stages in the evolution of man, providing examples of fossil discoveries to show how humans have changed over time.
From the Paper
"With our knowledge of geological processes we are now able to determine the biological and cultural development of the species ?Homo sapiens?, or human beings. A large number of human fossil bones and teeth have been found at various places throughout the world along with tools of stone, bone, and wood. As a result of these discoveries, a picture of human evolution during the past 4 to 5 million years has emerged."
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Solon, Cleisthenes, and their Roles in Athenian Democracy, 2001.
1,600 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 6 sources, AU$ 79.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the roles Solon and Cleisthenes played in the formation of the world's first democratic government.
From the Paper
"The development of a democratic form of government in ancient Athens was arguably one of the most important occurrences in the history of mankind. Certain individuals played a major role in this important development. While Cleisthenes is often attributed the tag of ?the founder of Athenian democracy,? and deservedly so, we will see that Solon was of equal importance as Cleisthenes, and that they both had much to do with the founding of Athenian democracy."
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The Egyptian Book of the Dead, 2001.
A look at this collection of magic spells and formulas.
2,486 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 5 sources, AU$ 113.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the "Book of the Dead", an ancient Egyptian guide to the afterlife. The paper also discusses the archeological finds associated with it and the papyri of the book itself.
From the Paper
"The Book of the Dead has been erroneously considered by enthusiasts of ancient Egyptian civilization to be comparable to the Torah, the Old and New Testaments, or the Qu'ran as an example of revealed religious truth?in short, to have been the "Bible" of the ancient Egyptians. A far better modern comparison would be with the older form of the Anglican Book of Common Prayer, which was also a compilation of texts and prayers and contained spells to ward off evil influences."
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The Use of Archeology in the Study of Ancient Israel, 1999.
How archeology helps us analyze the Bible and provides a picture of Biblical life in Israel.
875 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 47.95
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From the Paper
"The study of ancient Israel has been both tremendously advanced and transformed by the use of archaeology. This field has been used to support the historical narrative provided by the Biblical text in some instances, while altering the views of many modern scholars as to what dates the biblical stories are to represent, when they were written, and how historically reliable they are. Although the use of archaeology in the study of ancient Israel has not been able to conclusively support or refute the assumptions made about the time period, as derived from the Bible, it has proved helpful in formulating more well-informed beliefs as to what ancient Israelite society was like."
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An Analysis of the Events that Occurred at Mt. Masada, 2001.
An attempt to piece together the facts about events at Mt. Masada, with a look at the points of contention by archaeologists.
3,342 words (approx. 13.4 pages), 12 sources, AU$ 144.95
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From the Paper
"During the winter of 1963-1964, world renound archaeologist, Yigael Yadin, led an excavation of Mt. Masada. In a research paper, published at Hebrew University, by Hershel Shanks, one of the archaeologist at Masada, three questions are asked that may discredit the events at Mt. Masada: 1) If the Jews did commit suicide, then where are their bodies?, 2) If Titus was a by the book general, then why did the Romans not storm the fort upon breaking through the wall?, 3) If Flavius Josephus was not present to witness the events, then how can we trust his account? These questions are hard to answer, because the only sources that we have are the writings of Josephus and the results of the excavations at Masada. To analyze the events of Masada we have no choice, but to use some speculation to bring all of the information together for a reasonable conclusion."
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