Study of history purpose and methods of archaeology

The emphasis of archaeology on material culture gives it unrivalled possibilities to explore the whole length of the human history. This includes its capacity to provide insights into the lives of the people and groups only partly represented throughout eras for which historical records (verbal and textual) exist, if any. Its scope extends from specific sites for excavation to surface dispersions of artefacts, ranging from elevated monuments to landscapes. The interpretation of archaeological observations relies on their correct connection and can be dated precisely. The concepts of stratigraphic superposition, association and context are important in both instances. While ethnographic parallels are based on numerous archaeological interpretations, individual findings and assembly offindings are also examined using a broad variety of scientific and other methods.