Specializations in Archaeology
Prehistoric Archaeology
The study of human history before written records, focusing on the analysis of artifacts and structures from prehistoric times.
Classical Archaeology
The study of ancient Mediterranean civilizations, particularly Greece and Rome, through their material remains.
Medieval Archaeology
The examination of material culture from the early Middle Ages to the late Middle Ages, often focusing on European contexts.
Historical Archaeology
The study of material remains from historical periods, focusing on how communities interacted with their material world.
Industrial Archaeology
The investigation of the material remains of the industrial past, including buildings, machinery, and landscapes associated with industry.
Underwater Archaeology
The exploration of submerged sites, including shipwrecks and coastal settlements, to uncover submerged history.
Environmental Archaeology
The study of the relationship between past human societies and their environment through the analysis of biological remains.
Bioarchaeology
The study of human remains from archaeological contexts to understand past health, nutrition, and lifestyles.
Zooarchaeology
The analysis of animal remains from archaeological sites to provide insights into past human-animal relationships and diets.
Lithic Analysis
The study of stone tools and technology used by prehistoric people to understand their behaviors and functionalities.
Ceramics Archaeology
The analysis of pottery and ceramic materials to interpret cultural practices, trade networks, and technological advancements.
Settlement Archaeology
The study of ancient and historic settlements, including site layout, spatial organization, and habitation patterns.
Cultural Resource Management (CRM)
The practice of managing and preserving archaeological sites and materials in accordance with legal and ethical standards.
Archaeological Theory
The study of theoretical frameworks and models used in interpreting archaeological findings and practices.
Geophysical Archaeology
The application of geophysical techniques to detect and map archaeological features without excavation.
Remote Sensing in Archaeology
The use of aerial and satellite imagery to identify potential archaeological sites and understand broader landscape changes.
Maritime Archaeology
The study of archaeological sites related to human interaction with the sea, including shipwrecks and coastal settlements.
Ethnoarchaeology
The study of contemporary cultures to inform interpretations of past societies and their material remains.
Paleoethnobotany
The analysis of plant remains from archaeological sites to understand ancient diets, agriculture, and ecological practices.
Archaeometry
The application of scientific techniques to analyze and date material culture, including isotopic and chemical analysis.
Heritage Management
The practice of preserving archaeological sites and cultural heritage, focusing on policies, ethics, and community engagement.
Public Archaeology
The engagement of the public in archaeological research, interpretation, and heritage management, often through outreach and education.
Conflict Archaeology
The study of sites related to conflict, war, and violence, exploring their impact on societies and landscapes.
Archaeological Ethics
The study of moral principles guiding archaeological practice and the treatment of cultural heritage and communities.
Cognitive Archaeology
The exploration of past human thought processes and behaviors through the analysis of material culture.
Experimental Archaeology
The practice of recreating ancient technologies and processes to understand how prehistoric people lived and worked.
Rock Art Archaeology
The study of ancient human-made markings or carvings on natural surfaces, providing insights into cultural and ritualistic practices.
Archaeology of Colonialism
The examination of colonial sites and materials to understand the effects of colonialism on indigenous communities and landscapes.
Paleoanthropology
The study of prehistoric human ancestors through fossils and artifacts, focusing on human evolution and development.