Archaeologist Answers Archaeology Questions From Twitter | Tech Support | WIRED
TLDRArchaeologist Andrew Kinkella discusses the distinction between archaeology and paleontology, noting paleontology's focus on ancient lifeforms like dinosaurs, while archaeology concentrates on the human past, particularly the last 10,000 years. He highlights significant discoveries like Richard II's remains and the Endurance shipwreck, and explains the use of various tools in excavation, including trowels and brushes. Kinkella also describes how artifacts like the Clovis point are identified and the importance of the Rosetta Stone in deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphics. He touches on the evaluation of stone tools, the ethical considerations in excavating graves, and the process of carbon dating. Additionally, he covers the use of LIDAR in archaeology, the distinction between crime scenes and archaeological finds, and the accuracy of forensic facial reconstructions. Kinkella also addresses how archaeologists select sites for excavation, the value of discovered artifacts, and the methods used to estimate the sex of ancient skeletons. He criticizes unfounded hypotheses like those presented in 'Ancient Apocalypse' and shares insights into Mayan beliefs about cenotes. Finally, he discusses the practical aspects of archaeological fieldwork, including attire and tools, and reflects on the increasing number of discoveries due to technological advancements and global population growth.
Takeaways
- 🏺 The difference between archeology and paleontology is that paleontology focuses on very old things like dinosaurs from millions of years ago, while archeology deals with the more recent human past, primarily the last 10,000 years.
- 🔍 Archeologists use a variety of tools at dig sites, not just small brushes. They rely on the trowel as a primary tool, and also use brushes, popsicle sticks, and other tools depending on the situation to carefully uncover artifacts.
- 📍 Archeology involves precise location mapping of artifacts. Once an artifact is found, it is pedestaled and its exact location is documented for further study.
- 🗝️ The Rosetta Stone was crucial for deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphics as it presented the same text in three scripts: hieroglyphics, demotic, and Greek, providing a key to understanding the symbols.
- ⚒️ Ancient stone tools are identified by specific characteristics like a bulb of percussion, which is a sign of intentional tool-making, as opposed to naturally chipped rocks.
- 🌌 The Antikythera mechanism, an ancient device for tracking planetary rotations, is a testament to the advanced use of mathematics in ancient times, which is also referenced in the concept of the Dial of Destiny in the new 'Indiana Jones' movie.
- 🏺 Archeologists often find human remains in graves, which provide significant insights into past cultures, including how a person died, their health, social status, and religious beliefs.
- ⏳ Carbon-14 dating is a method used to determine the age of once-living things. It measures the rate at which the isotope decays and is useful for dating burials and remains, but not inorganic materials like rocks.
- 🌐 LIDAR technology, which involves lasers shot from aircraft to gather detailed geographic data, has become more accessible and is increasingly used in archeology to reveal hidden structures and features.
- 🦴 Archeologists must sometimes distinguish between ancient remains and modern crime scenes. The condition of the bones, such as their dryness and color, can provide clues to their age.
- 🎭 Forensic facial reconstruction from a skull is an imprecise art. Certain facial features like the shape of the cheeks, eye sockets, and chin can be inferred, but other features like the nose and ears are often based on the trends of the time.
- 🗓️ Archeological sites are not chosen randomly. They are located through careful surveying and mapping, often using information about soil quality and other environmental factors to predict where artifacts might be found.
Q & A
What is the primary difference between archeology and paleontology?
-Paleontology focuses on very old things, such as dinosaurs, from millions of years ago, while archeology is concerned with the more recent human past, primarily the last 10,000 years.
What is one of the most significant archeological discoveries in recent years?
-The discovery of Richard II's remains in a parking lot is considered significant because it demonstrates how historical importance can be forgotten over time.
What tools are commonly used by archeologists during excavations?
-Archeologists use a variety of tools, including trowels, brushes, and popsicle sticks, depending on the precision required for different stages of the excavation process.
How does the Rosetta Stone contribute to our understanding of ancient Egypt?
-The Rosetta Stone is crucial because it presents the same text in three scripts: ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, demotic, and Greek. This allowed scholars to decipher hieroglyphics, unlocking the language and culture of ancient Egypt.
How can archeologists distinguish between a naturally chipped rock and an ancient stone tool?
-Archeologists look for specific characteristics like a bulb of percussion, which is a divot created by a hard hit from a toolmaker. The material of the stone, such as obsidian, can also indicate its use for making sharp tools.
Why might archeologists excavate graves?
-Archeologists excavate graves to learn about the past, including how a person died, their diseases, social status, and the religion of their culture. It's a delicate process that involves collaboration with local communities.
How does carbon dating work, and what are its limitations?
-Carbon dating measures the decay of the isotope Carbon-14 over time. It's useful for dating once-living things, with the amount halving every 5,730 years. However, it cannot be used on non-organic materials like rocks.
How has LIDAR technology been utilized in archeology?
-LIDAR, which involves lasers shot from an aircraft, has been used in archeology for about a decade. It provides highly specific geographic and mapping data, which has become more accessible due to decreasing costs.
What considerations do archeologists make when they encounter human remains?
-Archeologists must determine if the remains are part of a crime scene or an archeological discovery. They consider factors like the condition of the bones and consult with coroners to ensure proper identification.
How accurate is facial reconstruction from a skull?
-Facial reconstruction from a skull is not perfect. Certain features like cheek height, eye sockets, brow ridge, and chin can be estimated, but details like nose shape and ear structure are often based on trends of the time.
How do archeologists decide where to excavate?
-Archeologists conduct surveys and mapping before excavation. They look for signs that archeological sites might exist, such as good soil quality. Modern construction projects also sometimes uncover archeological finds.
What is the most valuable artifact you have ever found, and how was it discovered?
-An entire Mayan pyramid was the most valuable artifact found by the speaker, discovered through anomalies detected on Google Earth, which led to on-site investigation and confirmation.
Outlines
🧐 Archeology vs. Paleontology and Recent Discoveries
Archeologist Andrew Kinkella discusses the distinction between archeology, which focuses on the human past within the last 10,000 years, and paleontology, which deals with much older specimens like dinosaurs. He highlights significant archeological finds, such as Richard II's remains in a parking lot and the shipwreck Endurance off Antarctica, and explains the use of various tools at dig sites, emphasizing the importance of touch and sound in the process. Kinkella also describes the process of locating artifacts, using the Clovis point as an example, and explains the significance of the Rosetta Stone in deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphics.
🦴 Understanding Stone Tools and the Role of Human Remains
Kinkella addresses the identification of ancient stone tools versus naturally chipped rocks, noting the unique characteristics like the bulb of percussion that indicate toolmaking. He also discusses the use of materials like obsidian for sharp edges and the selection of hammer stones for their suitable hardness. The conversation moves to the 'Dial of Destiny,' an artifact in the new Indiana Jones movie, which is linked to the Antikythera mechanism's ability to track planetary movements. Kinkella then explains why archeologists sometimes excavate graves, the process of carbon dating, and the use of LIDAR technology in archeology. He also shares an experience where he had to differentiate between a crime scene and an archeological discovery, and the challenges of forensic facial reconstruction from skulls.
🔍 Archeological Methods and the Impact of Overpopulation
The summary delves into how archeologists decide where to dig, with a preference for areas with good soil as indicated by forestry maps. Kinkella shares an anecdote about discovering a centuries-old human skeleton in downtown LA during sidewalk replacement. He also talks about the most valuable artifact he has found—an entire Mayan pyramid located through Google Earth. Kinkella expresses a wish to have discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun and explains how archeologists estimate the sex of skeletons by examining the skull and pelvis. He addresses the criticism of the 'Ancient Apocalypse' series and the misuse of the Piri Reis map by pseudo-archeologists. Kinkella discusses the Mayan belief in cenotes as sacred portals and shares his research findings on the subject. He also talks about the practical aspects of archeological attire and the reasons for the increase in archeological discoveries, attributing it to modern technology and global overpopulation.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Archeology
💡Paleontology
💡Richard III
💡Endurance Shipwreck
💡Clovis Point
💡Rosetta Stone
💡Carbon-14 Dating
💡LIDAR
💡Human Remains
💡Facial Reconstruction
💡Mayan Pyramid
Highlights
The distinction between archeology and paleontology is explained, with paleontology focusing on very old things like dinosaurs, and archeology on the more recent human past, particularly the last 10,000 years.
Archeology also delves into early human evolution, studying ancient human ancestors from several million years ago.
The discovery of Richard II in a parking lot and the shipwreck Endurance off the coast of Antarctica are highlighted as significant recent archeological finds.
A variety of tools are used in archeology, with the trowel being the archeologist's primary tool, used for both rapid digging and precise work.
Archeology involves a sense of touch and sound, with the use of brushes and popsicle sticks for delicate work, and the importance of accurately recording an artifact's location.
The Rosetta Stone is discussed as a crucial discovery for understanding Egyptian hieroglyphics, being inscribed in three scripts and providing a key to translation.
Identifying ancient stone tools involves looking for specific characteristics like a bulb of percussion, which indicates intentional toolmaking.
The Dial of Destiny, an artifact in the new 'Indiana Jones' movie, is related to the Antikythera mechanism, showcasing the advanced use of math in ancient times.
Excavating graves is often unexpected and provides deep insights into past lives, including the cause of death, diseases, social status, and cultural practices.
Carbon-14 dating is explained as a method to determine the age of once-living things, with a halving rate every 5,730 years.
LIDAR technology, used in self-driving cars, has been utilized in archeology for about a decade, providing detailed geographic and mapping data.
Archeologists sometimes need to distinguish between recent human remains, potentially a crime scene, and ancient remains as part of a discovery.
Facial reconstruction from a skull is not perfect, with certain features like cheeks, eye sockets, and chin more easily inferred than others like the nose or ears.
Archeological excavations are conducted methodically after surveying and mapping, targeting areas with the highest potential for significant sites.
The speaker discovered an entire Mayan pyramid through Google Earth, highlighting the use of modern technology in archeological research.
The tomb of Tutankhamun is expressed as the most desired archeological find, due to its wealth of artifacts and insight into a pivotal moment in history.
Sex estimations of skeletons are possible through specific features of the skull and pelvis, although lab conditions provide more accurate results.
The dismissal of Graham Hancock's hypothesis in 'Ancient Apocalypse' is justified by the lack of evidence and the misuse of historical artifacts like the Piri Reis map.
The Maya believed in the sacredness of cenotes as portals to the underworld, with some used for sacrificial rituals during times of crisis.
Archeologists' attire varies based on the environment, with jungle exploration requiring protective clothing, boots, a machete, and essential tools.
The increase in archeological discoveries is attributed to modern technology, overpopulation leading to more excavation, and the resulting exposure of hidden sites.
The most pressing debate in archeology is the exact timing of the first human entry into the Americas, with evidence pointing to Asia but dates ranging widely.
Transcripts
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