Archaeology
The study of human activity through the recovery and analysis of material culture
Real World Example
Archaeology helps us understand the lives of the world's early people by examining tools, buildings, and artifacts they left behind. This study was important because it answered questions about how ancient societies lived, what they valued, and how they adapted to their environments. At the time, archaeology responded to the need to understand human history and cultural evolution without written records. Today, archaeology continues to connect to our lives by preserving cultural heritage and informing us about past successes and mistakes, helping us make better decisions for the future. For example, learning about ancient irrigation systems can inspire modern water conservation techniques in areas facing drought.